It has come to my attention that a private group, identifying themselves as a fire safety organization known as Matzilei Aish of Rockland (RCMA), has formed a fire brigade that has been encouraging residents to contact them directly in case of an emergency, rather than dialing 911. This group has also sought to expand their operations into local areas such as Airmont.
This development has raised significant concerns at the County level, including:
- A lack of formal firefighting and emergency service-related experience
- The potential to interfere with and delay the official fire department’s response to emergencies
- Non-compliance with State law regarding fire investigations, which could jeopardize insurance claims for residents affected by fire damage
- Failure to report hazards to utility companies, which could lead to further dangerous situations
According to a recent article in The Journal News, this group consists of only 35 members, possesses a single fire truck, and has been operating without essential protective gear. Furthermore, they have acknowledged that they are not equipped to handle fires inside buildings.
The Village of Airmont strongly urges all residents to call 911 in the event of an emergency. Rockland County is equipped with a nationally certified 911 dispatch center, ensuring that the appropriate first responders are dispatched swiftly and efficiently.
For those considering volunteering with this group, we encourage you to instead join one of our official volunteer fire departments, where you will receive the necessary training and be part of a team of dedicated professionals serving the entire community.
Here are links to information on how to join one of the fire departments that serve the Airmont area:
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Nathan Bubel
Mayor, Village of Airmont