By Azra Baig, Special Writer
The Kingston Volunteer Fire Company wants you to join them.
In the hopes of recruiting new members to join the volunteer fire department, the Kingston Volunteer Fire Company has put out a few dozen lawn signs that state "Members Wanted!! Volunteer Today! throughout the Kingston service area.
Chairman of the Recruitment Committee at the fire department, Firefighter George Luck, Jr. said the fire department put the lawn signs up approximately a month ago, in the hopes of recruiting at least 7-10 new members to help serve the community.
"So far we’ve had four people show interest," Fireman Luck said. "We are lower ( in members) than we like and only two of the four (individuals) who have filled out the application want to take the process further."
Fireman Luck said, currently there are approximately 50 Kingston Volunteer Fire Company members, but not all of them are active since some of them are in their 70’s and 80’s that have been firefighters in the past.
"There are around 15 active firefighters which is really bear minimum to be able to provide the service that we want to provide," he said.
According to Fireman Luck, in order to fight fires, one needs to be a certified firefighter, which includes 160-180 hours of mandatory training that takes about 6 months to complete.
He said the cost of the training is covered by the fire department and that there are many ways an individual can serve as a volunteer for the fire department while they are in the process of getting their certification.
Fireman Luck said he has been volunteering with the Kingston Volunteer Fire Company for 48 years, starting his service at the age of 16 and serving as the Chief of the Fire Company for 18 of those years.
"It’s a rewarding time to serve the community. I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. It’s a good feeling when you help somebody in need. That’s what it is about. It’s been very rewarding," He said. "People get a lot out of it that they can help a neighbor, do something positive when things aren’t going good for someone. It’s a good feeling of helping somebody. There’s an excitement to it; to fighting fires, being able to put them out and make things better for people. It’s a rewarding career."
The Kingston Volunteer Fire Company has been serving the community since 1924 and will be celebrating its 90th Anniversary on Sept. 6th at the Kingston Firehouse.
It will also be celebrating the 75th Anniversary of an antique fire engine, the Ward LaFrance, which was made in 1939.
For more information and or to become a member of the Kingston Volunteer Fire Company contact at 609-924-1181 or www.kingstonfireco.com.
