Youth Group of the Year

 

The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) is proud to announce that the New Hyde Park Junior Fire Department has been awarded the 2024 Youth Group of the Year Award. This prestigious honor recognizes the junior fire department’s exceptional dedication to the volunteer fire service, community involvement, and outstanding achievements.

Launched in March 2022, the New Hyde Park Junior Fire Department was established to create a steady pipeline of future volunteers. A dedicated committee set guidelines and began recruiting members aged 13-17. The inaugural meeting on June 7, 2022, saw an impressive turnout with 29 out of 36 initial members in attendance. Since then, the program has grown rapidly, boasting 75 active members and an additional 15 on the waiting list. To date, four juniors have joined the main department, with five more set to join in 2024.

The Junior Fire Department is actively involved in the community, participating in events such as holiday celebrations, parades, and charitable activities. Their fundraising efforts, including an annual pancake breakfast and t-shirt sales, support notable causes such as the FASNY Firefighter’s Home, New Hyde Park Gladiator Fund, and St. Jude Foundation.

Members of the Junior Fire Department also play significant roles in the Nassau County Junior Firefighters Association, with one junior currently serving as First Vice President. The department has earned numerous accolades, including the Chauncey Fowler Award and First Place for Best Appearing Junior Fire Department in the Nassau County Fireman’s Association Parade.

Training is a cornerstone of the Junior Fire Department’s success. Members participate in bi-monthly drills, learning essential firefighting and rescue techniques. They also engage in advanced training opportunities, including Camp Fahrenheit 516, a US/Germany Exchange Program, mass casualty incident drills, and CPR and Stop the Bleed training.

Looking to the future, members of the New Hyde Park Junior Fire Department will pursue further training, including fire school and EMT classes, to enhance their skills and preparedness for future service.

Past Award Recipients

2023	East Norwich Junior Firefighters
2022	Bay Shore-Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance Youth Squad
2020	Westhampton Beach Junior Fire Department
2019	Great Neck Alert Junior Firefighters
2018	Hicksville Fire Department Juniors
2017	Mastic Fire Department Explorer Post No. 512
2016	Mineola Junior Fire Department
2015	Moyers Corners Fire Department Explorer Post No. 209
2014	Lake Carmel Fire Department Explorer Post No. 2041
2013	Port Chester Fire Department Explorer Post No. 700
2012	Fairville Volunteer Fire Department Explorer Post #751