Rockland County’s volunteer fire service plays a vital role in protecting lives, homes, and businesses throughout the region. For over a century, local volunteers have answered the call-in towns and villages across the county, keeping neighborhoods safe and providing emergency services around the clock. Today, more than two dozen volunteer fire departments serve the community, demonstrating the long-standing tradition of service and civic pride that has defined Rockland County’s firefighting history.
Volunteering as a firefighter or support member is a meaningful way to give back to your community. Not only does it help keep families safe, but it also provides opportunities to learn valuable skills, gain hands-on experience, and form lifelong friendships. Training is provided for all volunteers, and no prior firefighting experience is necessary—just a willingness to serve and help your neighbors.
Volunteer Fire Departments in Rockland County
Here are some of the county’s volunteer fire departments, where interested residents can find more information or reach out to join:
- Blauvelt Volunteer Fire Company
- Central Nyack Fire Department
- Congers Fire Department
- Nanuet Fire Engine Company #1 — Nanuet/Bardonia
- New City Fire Engine Company No. 1 — Department List — New City (includes links to all local fire departments)
- Orangeburg Fire Department
- Piermont Fire Department — Site link available via county directory
- Sloatsburg Fire Department — Site link available via county directory
- Sparkill Fire Department — Site link available via county directory
- Stony Point Fire Department — Site link available via county directory
- Suffern Fire Department — Site link available via county directory
- Tallman Fire Department — Site link available via county directory
- Tappan Fire Department — Site link available via county directory
- Valley Cottage Fire Department — Site link available via county directory
- West Haverstraw Fire Department — Site link available via county directory
- West Nyack Fire Department — Site link available via county directory
- Thiells Fire Department — Site link available via county directory
(Several other departments operate throughout the county; additional links and contact information are available on county and department websites.)
Why Volunteer?
Joining a volunteer fire department helps strengthen the safety and resilience of Rockland County neighborhoods. Volunteers are often the first on the scene during emergencies—from fires and medical calls to rescue operations and storm response. Training is provided through the Rockland County Fire Training Center, and many departments offer youth and exploratory programs for teens interested in learning about the fire service.
A Proud and Historic Tradition
Rockland County’s volunteer fire service is not just a modern safety resource—it’s a longstanding part of the county’s history and community fabric. Volunteer firefighting in Rockland dates back to the 19th century, when small, self-organized groups of neighbors banded together to protect their homes and businesses long before professional fire services existed. In fact, the first recorded volunteer fire company in the county —the Orangetown Fire Co. #1—began in South Nyack as early as 1834, making it one of the earliest organized fire companies in the area. Artifacts and records celebrating this early tradition are preserved at the Rockland County Volunteer Fire Services Museum at the county’s Fire Training Center.
As the county grew, many other volunteer companies were established:
- Nanuet Fire Engine Company #1 — Formed in 1860, making it the sixth-oldest fire company in the county.
- Tappan Fire Department — Organized in 1907 to meet growing community needs; early meetings took place at the historic ’76 House.
- Tallman Fire Department — Started as a bucket brigade in 1909, progressing to horse-drawn and eventually motorized equipment.
- Thiells Fire Department — Formally established in 1960 after community leaders recognized the need for dedicated fire protection.
These departments—and the many others across the county—reflect how volunteer firefighting grew from neighbors helping neighbors into a coordinated network of trained emergency responders. Today, all 26 Rockland County fire departments rely entirely on volunteers willing to answer calls day or night.
Preserving History, Protecting the Future
These historical roots are more than just dates and names—they represent centuries of community commitment. Volunteer firefighters in Rockland have protected homes and livelihoods through fires, weather emergencies, and countless crises, shaping both the safety and identity of the county. Their service is honored through the Volunteer Fire Services Museum, annual association events, and recognition of long-serving volunteers.
To learn more about joining, contact a firehouse directly through the links above—or visit the Rockland County Office of Fire & Emergency Services for general information on training and volunteer programs.