Atlantic Steamer Fire Company seeks new volunteers as LI fire departments struggle with low enrollment

The fire department is comprised of all volunteers, and members are worried that their tradition of service could come to an end if a new and younger people don't sign up.

News 12 Staff

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Nov 23, 2022, 3:16 AM

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Updated 759 days ago

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A historic Nassau Fire Department is searching for new members to fill its low enrollment.

The Atlantic Steamer Fire Company in Oyster Bay dates back to the late 1800s.

The fire department is comprised of all volunteers, and members are worried that their tradition of service could come to an end if a new and younger people don't sign up.

Frank Ozol is 72 and has been volunteering for over 50 years. He still gets in the trucks and responds to emergencies because he feels like he has to.

"I should be retired from this," Ozol says. "But I still get up in the middle of the night."

He says the Atlantic Steamer Fire Company needs more members and often neighboring fire departments have to pitch in to help them.

Nassau Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro says the same problem is being felt in all 71 of the county's fire departments.

A recent Census showed Nassau County has around 6,000 volunteer firefighters.

Twenty years ago, the number was closer to 10,000.

The fewer volunteers also led to longer response times.

"There's a direct correlation between your volunteer staffing, how many members you have in your fire department and how fast the trucks get out," Uttaro says.

To recruit the new and younger firefighters, Nassau County is launching a website and an ad campaign encouraging people to serve their communities.

Ozol says it's an experience that helped shape his life for the better.

"Join the fire department - it's a great feeling when you know you've done something good," Ozol says

There are also tax incentives to joining the volunteer fire service, as well as free tuition at Nassau Community College.

Fire department members say it also becomes a second family.

The website is expected to roll out at the beginning of next year.

It will be called "Nassau's Bravest," and aims to streamline the process of signing up for those who are interested.