Bridgehampton Fire Department Seeks New Recruits

Bridgehampton Fire Department Chief Gary Horsburgh put it bluntly: "We need volunteers badly right now."

Horsburgh said that, due to the state of the economy, members are often out at work and not around when a call comes in.

The department currently has about 97 volunteers, including 24 EMTs. It has been difficult to find enough EMTs available to answer calls during the summer, when the frequency of calls increases, Horsburgh said.

For the month of July, Bridgehampton, Sag Harbor and East Hampton's ambulance companies are supplying ambulance crews for each other on designated days. Horsburgh said it has been working out well and they will meet at the end of the month to consider continuing into August.

The Bridgehampton Fire Department serves Bridgehampton, Sagaponack, Wainscott and the Deerfield area of Water Mill.

Two weeks ago, the fire department placed recruitment signs on either end of the district. One sign is posted near the Sagg Main Street intersection on Monatauk Highway in Sagaponack, and the other is by Eastlands Nursery in Water Mill.

Horsburgh said that since then, they received four inquiries. One is an EMT from New Jersey who joined already as an associate member while he vacations locally, he said.

Volunteers must live within 1 mile of the district. To work in the ambulance company, volunteers must be EMTs with a driver's license.

Those interesting in joining can call the department at 631-537-0336.