Community Pancake Breakfast and Fire Department Open House

Welcoming the Pleasantville community and educating them on what happens “when the horn blows” will be a major focus for the Pleasantville Volunteer Fire Department come Saturday, April 21, as the Department hosts a Community Pancake Breakfast and Open House, part of the statewide “RecruitNY” activities going on that weekend to encourage citizens to step up and volunteer.

Both events are open to all.  The Community Pancake Breakfast will run from 9:00 AM until Noon at Fire Headquarters, 75 Washington Avenue, Pleasantville.  A sumptuous pancake breakfast with several available sides can be had for the moderate cost of $7.00 for adults, and $3.00 for children five and under.

The Open House will start at 10:00 AM, and will have activities running continuously until 3:00 PM.  The public will get a chance to see our Volunteer Firefighters in action through a number of different simulations, each one designed to give a real-life view on the different emergencies the Department responds to.

T-shirts will be available for purchase reading “I Support the Pleasantville Volunteer Fire Department”, in Pleasantville Green, at a moderate cost of $10.

There is no charge for the Open House.  Profits from the Pancake Breakfast and the T-Shirts will be donated to the Firefighters Burn Center and the Volunteer Fire Departments in Upstate Schoharie County, who were devastated by the aftermath of Hurricane Irene last year.

 “This is not a fund raiser,” said Department Chief Bruce LaMonica.  “We want to give the public a first-hand view of what we do, and make it a little easier for anyone who does have an inclination to volunteer to be able to do so.”  Information brochures will be on hand that give the public a quick rundown on volunteer opportunities, areas of specialization, minimum required commitments, and how to get the ball rolling to become a Volunteer Firefighter.

“This is an opportunity for people to get their questions answered,” says Brian McGowan, Chair of the Department membership Committee.  “People often have a stereotype of the volunteer fire service, and we want to help them get past that.  Here in Pleasantville we’re really a cross-section of society.  We have blue collar workers and professionals, young members and seasoned veterans, people from all walks of life.  We’re always up to the challenge.  But one challenge that really faces us now is a dwindling base of volunteers.  People are more reluctant to join an organization like ours than in the past, because they think it will absolutely monopolize their time.  We want people to know that when they join they’re not signing all their free time away.  The more members we have, the easier it becomes for all.  And when they put on the blue and join us in a very critical job – protecting their neighbors, family and friends from fire – well, the rewards – like the commercial says – are priceless.”

So, if you are looking for a fun and informative way to spend a few hours on a Saturday in April, come on down to Pleasantville Fire Headquarters, 75 Washington Avenue, Pleasantville, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM on Saturday, April 21^st.  You’ll learn a little bit more about Pleasantville’s Bravest, and may just find your place among them!