Firefighters also teach

By Anya Tikka
DINGMAN TOWNSHIP — Fire officers kitted out in full gear went to local schools to "show what we do," said Tom Stephenson from the Milford Fire Department.

“It can be pretty scary for little kids, with masks and everything on," he told Dingman supervisors. "It looks like something out of the space age."

He came to the Oct. 20 supervisors meeting to report on training and community outreach. Firefighters are teaching fire prevention and explaining how the fire department operates.

The department conducted four preschool visits and one open house at the fire station.

The firefighters were good at putting the kids at ease, he said.

“We do this to show what firemen do,” he added with a smile, to chuckles all around.

Stephenson said the department is getting ready for winter and conducted the open house at the fire station to better orient the community.

Firefighters also took several training courses, including Vehicle Rescue Tech, Fire Essentials and Structural Burn, and EMT Practical tests.

Stephenson said the team is taking higher level courses to keep up with certifications and learn new skills. Some of the courses last for six months.

The EMT course started last March, with several members participating.

“We’re the only one to teach this course," Stephenson said. "It’s a lot of work. My team is ahead at this, doing a great job. Six months is a long time.”

The certification is valid for two years.

“A lot happens in two years,” Stephenson added with a smile.

“My daughter took it," said supervisors Chair Tom Mincer, who agreed about how demanding the course is.

A good percentage of the members who took the practical test passed, Stephenson reported.

“I’m real proud of these people, real proud,” he said.

Supervisor Dennis Brink offered congratulations.

“Amazing," he said. "We thank them.”

Stephenson said the fire department has a reciprocity agreement with New York.

In other business: A letter from Orange & Rockland Utilities, which operates in Pike County as Pike County Light & Power, advised Dingman Township that the utility has been sold to Corning Natural Gas Holding Corporation.

Mincer said a small portion of Dingman Township will be affected, and that Milford Boro will be affected much more.

“It’s a Natural Gas business, and Pike County Light & Power is electric, so I’m not sure how it’s going to work," he said. "It will take some time to get approved. We’ll see how that works.”