Getting to Know Your Croton-on-Hudson Volunteer Fire Department

The Croton Volunteer Fire Department is composed of five fire companies that provide fire suppression, rescue, fire prevention and safety education services to the Village of Croton-on-Hudson and adjoining Mount Airy and Quaker Bridge Fire Protection Districts.  Membership in the CFD can begin as early as 16 years old, where a member can join as a "Probationary Active Firefighter."  In this role, teens can participate in all NYS training programs required of full-fledged members, and respond to most emergency scenes.  At the age of 18, men and women can become "unrestricted members" in one of two capacities; "Interior Firefighters" are those whom are trained to charge into a fire and perform those duties neccessary to extinguish the fire, save property and most importantly, save lives.  The other type of member is known as an "Exterior Firefighter."  These members are there in a support role to the Interior Firefighters, however they may train to perform other specialized tasks such as vehicle extrication, rope rescue and Fire Police.

In addition to these groups, a youth program chartered by the Boy Scouts of America, known as our Explorer Post 2089, consists of young men and women between the ages of 14 and 18.  The primary purpose of the Post is to instill its members a sense of service to the community and introduce them to firefighting as a possible career choice by training them as much as active members of the Department and allowing them to provide limited support at emergency scenes. 

The five companies of the Croton Fire Department consist of three Engine Companies; the Chemical Engine Co. No. 1 (Engine 118), the Washington Engine Co. No. 2 (Engine 119 & Tanker 10), the Harmon Engine Co. No. 3 (Engine 120), a Ladder Company - Columbian Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 (Tower Ladder 44) and a Rescue Company, Croton Fire Patrol No.1 (Rescue 18).

Tasked with protecting nearly seven miles of Hudson River, the entire Croton River, part of the Croton Reservoir, several ponds, lakes and streams - the CFD operates three marine units.  Our primary vessel is Marine 12, a 24’ Fireboat that responds to all emergencies in the Hudson River most of the year.  Our other two units, Marine 32 and Marine 52 respond to all water-rescue incidents in areas other than the Hudson.  The membership from all five companies are trained for and respond to water incidents, however the men and women of Harmon Engine Company and Croton Fire Patrol assume the responsibilities of maintaining these vessels.

The Croton Fire Department also operates what is known as a Firefighter Assist & Search Team (FAST).  This unit consists of members with varying years of experience that have completed hundreds of hours of training from NYS and drill together close to 50 hours each year for the task of "saving our own."  A FAST is sent to fire incidents in neighboring communities to prevent - in as many ways as possible - firefighters from becoming trapped, lost or injured during the dangerous act of fire suppression.  A pro-active team, the CFD FAST has been recognized by many as one of the premier firefighter teams in Westchester County, having been organized and in operation for over 15 years.

Each fire company has an operational and a social organization.  The operational organization consists of a Captain, up to two Lieutenants and an Engineer for each assigned apparatus.  The Captain has overall responsibility for the apparatus, emergency operations and training within the Company.  The Captains report to the Chiefs.

The social organization is typical of most social/service clubs and is led by a President who conducts meetings and appoints committees.  Each Company also elects two representatives to the Fire Council that is the governing body of the Fire Department.  The Fire Council consists of ten Wardens from the Companies and the three Chiefs with the Chief of Department serving as President of the Fire Council.

Persons that are interested in joining our fire department family should contact us at (914) 271-2693 or email memberinfo@crotonfd.org to become a part of this amazing team made up of neighbors helping neighbors.