Frequently Asked Questions:
Why do Firefighters break windows?
Firefighters break windows for two reasons. It is a way for them to escape in case the fire becomes to intense and it allows the very intense heat and gases to escape.
Is a Firefighters turnout gear fireproof?
Unfortunatly it is not, but it does protect them to a certain extent from the heat.
How long can a Firefighter stay in a fire with an Air Pack on?
Airpacks vary in size but typically only 10 minutes of "working time" and 5 to 7 minutes of "escape time".
Has the Bayport Fire Department ever had a Firefighter die in the line of duty?
Since 1891 the Bayport Fire Department has lost only one member in the line of duty. Joseph "Scotty" Farrell pasted away while on active duty during a fire in 1991. Glen Wilkenson (LT, Eng 238 FDNY) was killed in the line of duty on 9/11/01. Lt. Wilkenson was a resident of Bayport and was about to join. Both Mr. Farrell and Lt. Wilkenson have been made Honorary Members.
Does the Bayport Fire Department have a dalmation?
The BFD used to have dalmation named Corey.
Does the BFD have a slide pole?
No
Is the entire Fire Department volunteer?
Yes. All of the firefighters are volunteer. Fire District Employees are paid. They include a full time dispatch staff and two maintenance people or housemen.
Is it rare to have a volunteer fire department?
Actually no it is not. In the United States there are about 31,114 Fire Departments and about 1,082,500 Firefighters. Of the total 31,114 fire departments in the country, 22,636 are all volunteer; 4,848 are mostly volunteer; 1,602 are mostly career; and 2,028 are all career. That means that there are 804,200 volunteer firefighters in the US.
Is the Bayport Fire Department Accepting Applications for Membership?
We are always looking for new members! If you are interested in joining, please feel free to stop down or call the fire department.
Should I call 911 or the BFD Hotline for an emergency?
If you have a fire or life threatening emergency, call 631-472-4411. This number goes directly to the Bayport Fire Department Communications and Dispatch Center. They also have the capability to dispatch Community Ambulance which provides EMS for Bayport. The 911 System follows a series of steps before the Bayport Fire Department is contacted. Considering that 911 handles the entire county, sometimes they get very busy.
Are Volunteers Trained as well as Paid Firefighters and what is the difference?
Without Question, Volunteer Firefighters are trained just as well as paid firefighters. In fact the training never stops. After the first year of the Fire Academy and in house training, serveral Drills are held per month. Volunteer and Paid Firefighers are both professional firefighters. The only differences are the paycheck and shift work.
How are Volunteers notified of a fire?
BFD Firefighters are notified via two methods. Voice Pagers that when activated give the type of alarm and location. The Second is the Air Raid Sirens. Currently there are three sirens in Bayport. The Sirens are generally not used late evening and overnight except in certain circumstances. While this system may seem antiquated, they are a necessity. They alert the public to an emergency both fire, natural, and homeland security.
Who is incharge of the Fire Department?
The Chief is incharge of the Fire Department followed by his two assistants. Captains and Lieutenants are incharge of the companies or general membership. The Chief (and other officers positions) is an annually elected position. Currently the Chief of the Department is Glen Baillargeon.
How many Fire Trucks does the Bayport Fire Department have?
Currenly the BFD has 3 Fire Engines, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Brush Truck, 1 Rescue Truck, 1 Water Rescue Truck, 2 Boats, 1 Van, 1 pick up, 1 Car, 3 Chief SUVs, 1 Bus, 1 Tracktor Trailor and 2 race trucks.
How often do you replace a fire truck?
This all depends on the vehicle and is up to the Fire District. The Bayport Fire Department takes very good care of all of the Fire Districts equipment. Typically a Fire Engine, Rescue Truck and Ladder Truck is replaced every 20-25 years. Chiefs Vehicles are usually replaced every six to eight years. Currently we are replacing our Rescue truck with in the next few months.
What else other then fires does the Bayport Fire Department do?
Regarding emergencies, the BFD provides extensive rescue services covering EMS, Car Accidents, Water & Ice Rescues, Haz Mat, Air Craft and other Emergencies.
What is the Blue Light?
New York State authorizes, with the permission of the Chief of the Department, any active firefighter to display a blue light while responding to an emergency. This light is considered a courtesy light. Please extend the courtesy and yield the right of way to responding firefighters. It could be your house or a friends that they are responding to! In 2008 NYS authorized all emergency vehicles to display rear facing blue lights.
Does the BFD participate in sporting events?
Of course! The Red Devils are the name of the Sports teams of the Bayport Fire Department. Currently The Red Devils have a very active Softball team. We are currently looking for some people who are interested in reigniting our Drill Team. In the Past the Red Devils have had a bowling team and basketball team! The Red Devils Drill team has performed all over New York State as well as Las Vegas!
Do you sell patches, t-shirts and jackets?
In accordance with the Dept of Homeland Security, it has been recommended that Fire Departments no longer sell or give away patches, Shirts or Jackets that resemble "official" clothing or uniforms. The Department, Companies and sporting teams usually have shirts that are available to the general public. If you are interested, please write, email or call the BFD for more info. If you are a member of a Police, EMS or Fire Department we may be able to make an exception to the recommendation.
What is Fire Police?
The Fire Police members are authorized under the Chief of the Department to protect the scene of an emergency and any roadway leading to that scene. They are also authorized by the Suffolk County Sherriff's office as Peace Officers during times of emergencies.
Does the Fire Department rent out it's meeting hall?
The Bayport Fire Department has no authorization to rent out or allow people or entities to use the Fire House for any reason. The Firehouse and it's associated equipment is owned by the Bayport Fire District. Any requests for usage must be made through the Board of Fire Commissioners for the Bayport Fire District. The Bayport Fire Department does own a building and park however this is private property and not opened for public use.
What is the Fire District?The Fire District is the area in which taxes are collected in the hamlet of Bayport for the purpose of fire protection. The District is administered by five publicly elected commissioners, not unlike the Board of Education. The Fire District (Tax Payers) own all of the firefighting equipment used by the Fire Department. The Fire Department is a non for profit organization that is contracted to the Fire District to provide fire protection and emergency services. The department survives soley on donations.
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