Kent Volunteer Fire Department Marks 43 Years Protecting A Community

KENT, N.Y. -- Fulfilling its commitment to the community for more than 43 years, the Kent Volunteer Fire Department's ongoing campaign for new members is defined by the company's motto, "Neighbors helping Neighbors."

The all-volunteer Kent Fire Department has been serving the community and surrounding Putnam County area for 43 years.
Photo Credit: *Contributed/Kent Volunteer Fire Deaprtment*

The Kent Volunteer Fire Department includes 50 members -- 30 active -- EMS and other services.
Photo Credit: *Contributed/KVFD*

The Kent Fire Department station at 2490 Route 301 in Kent Cliffs.
Photo Credit: *Danny LoPriore*

by Danny LoPriore

08/01/2014 6:30 a.m.

KVFD is a 50-member force (30 active) of young, older, self-employed, tradesman, students, professionals, executives, law enforcement and career fire and EMS personnel, according to Kent Volunteer Fire Department spokesperson, webmaster and EMS Lieutenant Bill Leo.

"We are a 100-percent, all-volunteer department," Leo said. "If you see a car at the firehouse, it’s because someone has dedicated their time to be there. If you call and the phone is picked up, the same. We drill twice a week and also have roster capability for personnel to be on call."

Those who aspire to be part of the Kent Volunteer Fire Department require dedication and commitment. An application process assesses the candidate's capability and fits each into a variety of roles.

"A firefighter can be Interior or Exterior and both require training," Leo said. "An Interior requires the passing of a State Firefighter I course provided by the county. "We also have roles for Fire Police to ensure a safe scene during traffic accidents and other incidents."

All of the Kent Fire Police have been state certified and are peace officers for the town of Kent. Kent also has the largest representation on the Putnam County Fire Police team. The Department also has roles for those interested in Emergency Medical Sevices and trains for ambulance drivers and attendants and also to be an EMT as well as administrative functions.

According to KVFD statistics, the department handle well over 300 calls per year with the majority being EMS. The volunteers also participate in the county mutual aid plan and are also mutual aid to East Fishkill in Dutchess County.

"We currently have 14 EMT's with most all of them having jump bags in their vehicles allowing them to go directly to the scene in their private vehicles," Leo said. "Some of our EMT's are able to respond to EMS calls in Lake Carmel and Carmel as well as their EMT's respond to Kent."

The KVFD says support from the community is important to its success and asks that motorists and others observe "the blue light law" and yield to the first responder by allowing us to pass. Monetary donations go a long way to assist the department to retain members and provide adequate gear and training.

Leo said the department, which is led by Chief Justin Byrne, Assistant Chief, Jay Piekarski and several staff officers, has had great success at maintaining members and are always seeking volunteers.

"It’s not uncommon to have personnel left at the firehouse as backup support if needed," Leo said. "We have an accepting culture and treat all members with respect."

The KVFD is sponsoring its annual golf tournament on September 12 at the Sedgewood Club in Kent -- 18 holes of gold, breakfast, lunch and dinner -- for $150 per person. Sponsors are also welcome with all proceeds going to the KVFD.

For more on how to volunteer or contribute to the Kent Volunteer Department, log on to its website.

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