Bayport Fire Department

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 pole?

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 John Hoek.

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. Our Brush Truck and Water Rescue Truck are both over 30 years old and have been refurbished. Chiefs Vehicles are usually replaced every six to eight years. A new water Rescue Truck was delivered in 2006. Currently we are planning to replace our Rescue truck with in the next 18 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!

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.