BLASDELL, N.Y. — The Blasdell Volunteer Fire Department gates closed for the last time back in November.
Village administrator Janet Plarr says the fire department hasn't answered any emergency calls because they have problems recruiting and retaining new volunteer firefighters. Until more volunteers go through recruiting, the village plans to request a proposal for fire protective services.
"We would contract with another fire department to be the first response on our calls," Plarr said.
Plarr says Bigtree, Woodlawn, and Newton Abbott volunteer fire companies will respond to fires in Blasdell. Currently, the volunteer fire department has seven trained volunteer firefighters.
On Wednesday, Plarr stated 10 new potential firefighters completed their required physicals. Now they are waiting for firefighter training.
Protective headgear and equipment remain in the garage, as well as two fire trucks. The municipal government still pays for the fire truck and equipment maintenance; now, also the contracted fire departments.
"The village fire department is funded through the village budget," Plarr says.
She continued, "We will be paying a contracted price. There will be an exchange of funds from the village to whomever."
The main issue involves committing to the required training hours, which Plarr says many people do not have. Across the State of New York, the problem remains with other volunteer fire companies.
"It's a frightening time, but it isn't something we've not been through before," Plarr said.
Village leaders are holding a meeting inside the Municipal building Wednesday night to discuss the future of the volunteer fire department. Residents are welcome to attend.