The Rockland County Emergency Medical Service (EMS) System is comprised of 14 Volunteer Basic Life Support (BLS) Ambulance Corps and 2 Advance Life Support (ALS) services. These dedicated responders provide treatment and transportation for our residents and transients 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Rockland County's EMS Agencies respond to over 30,000 medical emergencies a year. The County EMS Office is staffed with two full-time people, the EMS Coordinator and the Assistant EMS Coordinator. In addition, there are five Volunteer Deputy Coordinators and one Liaison. The EMS office is responsible for coordinating training and serving as a resource during large scale emergencies and events. Rockland County's EMS Agencies provide many other services as well, including equipment loan closets, blood pressure screenings, and community training and outreach.

In addition to providing training to the EMS personnel, Rockland County EMS offers training in such things as CPR, First Aid, Pet First Aid, Blood borne Pathogens, and other workplace safety courses to community groups, individuals, and industry.

Rockland County EMS is also home to the Disaster Medical Assistance Team NY-4. This is a federal response team under FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security. DMAT NY-4 is comprised of an array of medical professionals from doctors to trained clerical staff. DMAT NY-4 team members have responded to such events and emergencies as the Summer Olympics in 1996, the World Trade Center Disaster in 2001, the Avian Influenza in 2001, the Winter Olympics in 2002, and the Florida Hurricanes in 2004.s

If you’d like to become a volunteer, choose the Volunteer Form button and submit your application.
For more information contact Rockland County Fire Training Center at Tel: (845) 364-8800

In 1997 County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef, along with the Rockland County Legislature, recognized the need of, and appropriated funds for, a specialized hazardous material incident response team. On January 1, 1998, the Rockland County Hazardous Materials Response Team was placed into service.

Today the team is comprised of 70 volunteer representatives from fire, police, medical services and local businesses. All members are trained to the level of Hazardous Material Technician, while some hold the additional status of Hazardous Material Specialist. The team responds to requests for mitigation of chemical-related hazards, ranging from small household spills to large container accidents.

Their first major incident that tested the capabilities of the team was in July of 1998. A Conrail train traveling from Philadelphia enroute to Albany derailed in a remote location of Stony Point along the Hudson River. The train was identified to be carrying various hazardous materials. As officials responded and began to assess possible environmental impacts, the Rockland County Hazardous Materials (Haz-Mat) Response Team was called to the scene. The team's initial observations consisted of the discoloration of surface vegetation in the area and a car lying in the Hudson River. Further assessments confirmed a suspicion that the car lying in the river contained sodium hydroxide. The Coast Guard temporarily shut down area river traffic. Over the course of two days, the team collaborated with multiple county, state and federal agencies, assessed toxicity levels of air, water, and soil and advised officials of proper cleanup and removal procedures.

Since its inception, the Haz-Mat Team has partnered with local, state and federal agencies to prepare for various types of incidents. Members continue to work closely with the Rockland County Health Department and Bioterrorism Team officials in developing protocol for terrorist response. A key component to this preplanning was the purchase of tetracore tickets, which allowed field evaluations to be performed while responding to over 200 reports of white powder after a positive report of anthrax in Washington, DC. Along with the tetracore tickets and sophisticated detection equipment, a rapid response vehicle, foam unit and fully equipped response trailer will enable the team to respond to any suspicion of substances commonly used by terrorists.

In the past the team has been called upon during Presidential and Heads of State visits, and it continues to offer its expertise and support throughout the metropolitan area to local emergency response agencies.

If you’d like to become a volunteer, choose the Volunteer Form button and submit your application.
For more information contact Rockland County Fire Training Center at Tel: (845) 364-8800

In 1997 County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef, along with the Rockland County Legislature, recognized the need of, and appropriated funds for, a specialized hazardous material incident response team. On January 1, 1998, the Rockland County Hazardous Materials Response Team was placed into service.

Today the team is comprised of 70 volunteer representatives from fire, police, medical services and local businesses. All members are trained to the level of Hazardous Material Technician, while some hold the additional status of Hazardous Material Specialist. The team responds to requests for mitigation of chemical-related hazards, ranging from small household spills to large container accidents.

Their first major incident that tested the capabilities of the team was in July of 1998. A Conrail train traveling from Philadelphia enroute to Albany derailed in a remote location of Stony Point along the Hudson River. The train was identified to be carrying various hazardous materials. As officials responded and began to assess possible environmental impacts, the Rockland County Hazardous Materials (Haz-Mat) Response Team was called to the scene. The team's initial observations consisted of the discoloration of surface vegetation in the area and a car lying in the Hudson River. Further assessments confirmed a suspicion that the car lying in the river contained sodium hydroxide. The Coast Guard temporarily shut down area river traffic. Over the course of two days, the team collaborated with multiple county, state and federal agencies, assessed toxicity levels of air, water, and soil and advised officials of proper cleanup and removal procedures.

Since its inception, the Haz-Mat Team has partnered with local, state and federal agencies to prepare for various types of incidents. Members continue to work closely with the Rockland County Health Department and Bioterrorism Team officials in developing protocol for terrorist response. A key component to this preplanning was the purchase of tetracore tickets, which allowed field evaluations to be performed while responding to over 200 reports of white powder after a positive report of anthrax in Washington, DC. Along with the tetracore tickets and sophisticated detection equipment, a rapid response vehicle, foam unit and fully equipped response trailer will enable the team to respond to any suspicion of substances commonly used by terrorists.

In the past the team has been called upon during Presidential and Heads of State visits, and it continues to offer its expertise and support throughout the metropolitan area to local emergency response agencies.

If you’d like to become a volunteer, choose the Volunteer Form button and submit your application.
For more information contact Rockland County Fire Training Center at Tel: (845) 364-8800

The Rockland Technical Rescue Teamis a non-profit, volunteer team organized to perform search and rescue (SAR), including the evacuation of victims from hazardous terrain / situations. We augment Law Enforcement and Fire/EMS services by providing specialty resources (SAR Management, ground search, K9, etc.).

The Technical Rescue Team responds in extraordinary or highly dangerous rescue situations such as building collapses, confined-space entrapments and high-angle rescues. Prior to permanent assignment, team members complete several hundred hours of training and demonstrate proficiency in specialties such as trench rescue, confined space, rope rescue, swift water rescue and motor vehicle extrications.

Supplied with a specially outfitted tractor-trailer and other vehicles, the team arrives at incidents equipped with concrete cutting tools, emergency shoring and trench collapse equipment, fiber optic "snake" cameras (capable of imaging subterranean or inaccessible spaces), an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) used to transport equipment to remote sites and other specialized rescue equipment.

If you’d like to become a volunteer, choose the Volunteer Form button and submit your application.
For more information contact Rockland County Fire Training Center at Tel: (845) 364-8800

Our Team Mission is to provide the very best dive rescue and underwater recovery capabilities to all citizens within Rockland County region. We provide outstanding service through proficient and safe underwater techniques developed by a first rate team training program.

We are an all volunteer organization with in the Rockland County Fire Department comprised of members from various different professions. The team is responsible for all surface and underwater rescue and recovery efforts. Underwater Rescue team members are also trained in swift water rescue, ice dive rescue and boat operations. As a team we are committed to perform our duty to the best of our ability.

If you’d like to become a volunteer, choose the Volunteer Form button and submit your application.
For more information contact Rockland County Fire Training Center at Tel: (845) 364-8800

The Rockland County Heavy Rescue Squad is a highly specialized unit made up entirely of volunteer members . The squads primary function is to respond to motor vehicle accidents where victims are trapped in their vehicles.

Using heavy extrication equipment such as the "Jaws of Life", pneumatic cutting tools, Hydraulic tools, etc., squad members free the victims from the wreckage as quickly as possible and always keeping patient care as their top priority.

If you’d like to become a volunteer, choose the Volunteer Form button and submit your application.
For more information contact Rockland County Fire Training Center at Tel: (845) 364-8800

The Helicopter Emergency Lift Program, Inc. was started as part of the Rockland County Fire Service Mutual Aid Plan in 1969. The idea that it should be developed into a service of its own was conceived April 3, 1971 on an ominous ledge of High Tor Mountain. It was here that the lives of two badly battered girls hung in the balance of good judgement on the part of their rescuers and transporting to a hospital by helicopter. Both girls although seriously injured, survived and recovered.

With guidance and some financing from industry and the Rockland County Legislature, HELP became a non-profit corporation in 1972. The U.S. Army donated two surplus helicopters to Rockland County in 1974 and one of them was FAA certified, insured and made operational shortly thereafter.

Organized as an emergency service unit, HELP provides its services to Rockland County only in conjunction and cooperation with Emergency Services such as the Office of Fire & Emergency Services, Fire Departments, Police Departments, the Sheriff's Patrol, Emergency Medical Services and Hospitals. It is completely manned by volunteers, including 3 pilots, from the membership of these organizations whose time and expertise are free of charge. Special training for on the ground and in the air activities is given to all members.

Members of HELP are totally motivated toward being of service in emergency situation to the citizens of Rockland County, the property they hold dear and the physical safety of their families. During HELP's history, there has never been an instance of personal danger or a situation where HELP was a deterrent by other emergency service methods. Although they receive no financial payment and little recognition for responding and being on call 24 hours a day in all kinds of weather, they do a professional job and are well satisfied with the knowledge that without them there would be no eyes in the sky over Rockland.

You may not be aware of it but you've probably looked into some eyes that scan Rockland from the sky. They are the eyes of your County's policemen, firemen, EMS personnel and the District Attorney's office. They know what to look for, what action to take in emergency situations and how to deliver the needed services.

If you’d like to become a volunteer, choose the Volunteer Form button and submit your application.
For more information contact Rockland County Fire Training Center at Tel: (845) 364-8800

The Rockland County Fire Police is a volunteer emergency service organization that provides traffic control and scene safety at emergencies and where specially requested. We use the latest in traffic control technology and ongoing training of our officers to ensure the flow of traffic around these incidents is as efficient as possible.

Fire police are specially trained officers under the direction of a fire department who perform police functions that can supplement or replace fire and police units, thereby allowing them to respond to other calls. This can effectively double the response capability of a town during peak call times.

Fire police services are regularly requested during storms for incidents such as wires down, flooding and road closures. We also respond to structure fires, malfunctioning traffic signals, hazardous materials incidents and other events where traffic and bystanders must be managed.

ROCKLAND COUNTY FIRE POLICE ASSN.
President: John Stuercke
Vice-President: Tom Bicknell
Secretary: Robert Huslinger

If you’d like to become a volunteer, choose the Volunteer Form button and submit your application.
For more information contact Rockland County Fire Training Center at Tel: (845) 364-8800

The Rockland County Fire Police is a volunteer emergency service organization that provides traffic control and scene safety at emergencies and where specially requested. We use the latest in traffic control technology and ongoing training of our officers to ensure the flow of traffic around these incidents is as efficient as possible.

Fire police are specially trained officers under the direction of a fire department who perform police functions that can supplement or replace fire and police units, thereby allowing them to respond to other calls. This can effectively double the response capability of a town during peak call times.

Fire police services are regularly requested during storms for incidents such as wires down, flooding and road closures. We also respond to structure fires, malfunctioning traffic signals, hazardous materials incidents and other events where traffic and bystanders must be managed.

ROCKLAND COUNTY FIRE POLICE ASSN.
President: John Stuercke
Vice-President: Tom Bicknell
Secretary: Robert Huslinger

If you’d like to become a volunteer, choose the Volunteer Form button and submit your application.
For more information contact Rockland County Fire Training Center at Tel: (845) 364-8800

Our purpose is to aid the Rockland County Fire Department and do all that we can to maintain a friendly spirit between its members and the community.

In times of major fires or emergencies, we have been called upon to provide food and drinks for the department members.  We also assist in community functions, such as Fire Prevention programs, memorial services, fund raisers, etc.  Other activities may include organizing holiday parties, adopt-a-family programs for the holidays and making donations to community outreach programs.

RCVFA LADIES AUXILIARY
President: Linda Wanamaker
Secretary: Debby Sandberg & Robert Huslinger

If you’d like to become a volunteer, choose the Volunteer Form button and submit your application.
For more information contact Rockland County Fire Training Center at Tel: (845) 364-8800

The Committee to Promote Volunteerism in Rockland County Emergency Services, Inc.
This not-for-profit committee is manned jointly by active volunteer personnel and representatives of Rockland's business community. The committee functions as a consortium of 26 fire departments and 41 fire companies and is primarily responsible for recruitment and retention of Rockland County's emergency service volunteers.

Since 1995, the committee has worked to educate the public and increase awareness of Rockland County's emergency services' reliance on volunteers. Their mission is to increase the volunteer corps by recruitment or retention and to promote active involvement by local businesses, government and other Rockland County organizations.


Remember: Behind every firefighter or rescue provider there are scores of people who support them. If you have a skill, we have a way to use it. Just give us a call, we need you!

Chairman: Frank A. Hutton
Vice Chairman: George Doremus
Treasurer: Mike Kramar

Contact Information:
Frank Hutton – c/o Fire Training Center (845) 364-8800