Recruitment Qualifications

Basic requirements to become a member
 

In order to be eligible for membership in this Department, an applicant must be of good moral character, cleared by their physician for active firefighter duty and a legal resident of the United States. The applicant shall have been a resident of the Town of Patterson, District 2, for at least one (1) year at the time of application. The Department may waive the one (1) year time limit to any person who owns property and resides within one mile of the Town of Patterson, District 2, subject to the approval of the general membership.

Application Process

Once your application is received and reviewed you will be contacted by the Chairman of the Membership Committee or his/her designee.  The Chairman/committee designee will contact you to set up an appointment to interview with the Membership Committee.  This typically happens prior to the departments regularly scheduled monthly meeting.  These meetings take place on the first Tuesday of every month.   At this meeting the Committee and the applicant will review the application submitted.  Expect to be asked typical interview questions. All applicants for membership will be judged on their qualifications regardless of sex, race, color, creed or national origin. If the Committee feels the applicant fits the position applied for, the Membership Committee will recommend the applicant to the membership of the department on the same evening. If accepted by the membership, the Membership Committee Chairman/committee designee will file for a background check typically done by the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.  Once a clear background investigation is received, you will be placed on the Town Of Patterson insurance and be accepted as a probationary member of the department.

• Putnam Lake Fire Department Benevolent Association
• Use of department facilities
• Helping your neighbors
• Community Service
• Injury compensation under The Volunteer Firefighters Benefit Law
• Company- and state-sponsored training which could result in college credits
• Social/organizational benefits
• Legth of service incentives L.O.S.A.P.
• Property tax reductions
• State income tax benefits
• Free medical physicals
• Free equipment

Active Member Defined

A person who has completed the probationary period and maintains all requirements set forth by the department and any other regulatory bodies.

Rights and Responsibilities of Active Member:

1. Active member must meet all mandated training and physical requirements as set out by the State, Federal Government and the fire department.
2. Active member are expected to respond to all calls when they are available.
3. Active member must obey reasonable orders of their officers.
4. Active member will be supplied the necessary equipment and uniform. All issued equipment and uniforms are to be maintained and kept in good condition. An active member maybe responsible for damage to the equipment if neglect is the result.
5. Active members are encouraged to attend ongoing training courses as approved by the Chief.
6. Active members are encouraged to join the Volunteer and Exempt Firemen’s Benevolent Association of the Town of Patterson in order to avail themselves of the benefits of this organization.

Active Member on Probation

Any active member who is new to the department shall be on probation for a period of one year. The probationary term may be extended with cause at the will of the Chief.  An active firefighter on probation may be terminated with cause by the Chief and line officers, subject to Sec 209 of the General Municipal Law.   

Rights and Responsibilities of an Active Firefighter on Probation:

New probationary members must complete an approved New York State training course before the completion of their probationary period.

Probationary members may assist at fire scenes and training with approval from the officer in charge.

Probationary members entitled to admission to the firehouse, a building key, and a pager as available.

Probationary members may attend departmental meetings but may not vote on any action, election, motion, or membership vote.

Probationary members may attend social functions.

This website provides a brief explanation of the requirements and benefits of becoming a member. If you have any questions feel free to contact the Membership committee at Membership@plfd.org.

You may email, hand deliver, or mail the completed application to;

Or

Membership@plfd.org