Over 300 Fire Police personnel from around New York state will gather at the RIT Convention Center in Henrietta May 12 for the Volunteer Fire Police of the State of New York annual convention. This year's event is hosted by the Monroe County Volunteer Fire Police Association and will include training sessions and seminars on the duties and skills that help Fire Police perform their responsibilities for the fire service. According to Kenneth R. Fuller, second vice president of the Monroe County Volunteer Fire Police Association, the Fire Police have been recognized by New York State Law since 1939, with updates to several rulings and laws pertaining to their service enacted since then. The first mention of Fire Police is 100 years earlier in New York City when 40 men were employed by the Association of Fire Insurance Companies to patrol the mercantile district at night. These days, Fire Police volunteers' main concern at emergency incidents is to keep a safe environment for all affected people, civilians and firefighters, Fuller said. This may include re-routing traffic, limiting access to individuals, or even helping evacuate individuals from dangerous locations. Volunteer Fire Police personnel must take specific training authorized by the State of New York to become qualified, and have the title of peace officers when in service at an emergency incident. They are registered by the State of New York. Sometimes, motorists may feel inconvenienced by emergency scene traffic management as the Fire Police do their duties, but Fuller says it is important to remember that the volunteers are working to keep everyone safe. Fire Police are designated NYS Peace Officers and are empowered to make arrests for law infractions. Specifics of duties and responsibilities are contained in the Fire Police Manual put out by the Firemen's Association of the State of New York, and can be obtained by contacting them at 107 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12210-2269. |
