Welcome to this month’s edition of Montauk Fire Department Corner. I hope everyone is having a nice winter and that you have had a chance to get away for a few days to some warmer weather. We are all looking forward to spring next month. 
It is still important to make sure that your smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are working properly, so please check them if you haven’t done so recently.
We had an opportunity to get our feet wet, so to speak, early in 2025. On January 3rd we were called to a structure/house fire on Upper Firestone Road. Multiple members of the Department responded to the scene with a variety of apparatus and made a quick stop on the working house fire. I’d like to offer a job well done to our personnel.
On Friday, January 17th the majority of our members were instructed in HAZMAT, Bloodborne/Airborne pathogens, Sexual Harassment, and safety. These courses of instruction are mandatory lessons that each member must successfully complete annually to keep their active status in the Department. Members who could not make this date will be able to complete this training at the Department’s June 2025 Fire School.
The Montauk Fire Department Ice Rescue Team recently held a joint drill with the East Hampton Town Ocean Rescue Ice Team. The drill was held in Montauk on Stanley’s Pond near Culloden Point. The cold weather provided ideal conditions to train for such an emergency. The joint training went seamlessly. Please remember that there are 250 deaths in the United States annually from individuals falling through ice. Remember, no ice is safe!
As I am sure everyone is aware, March 30th will be the 63rd Annual Montauk Friends of Erin Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Montauk. As always the Montauk Fire Department is anxious to participate in the Parade and to supporting the Montauk Friends of Erin whenever we can. Congratulations to this year’s Grand Marshal Joseph Bloecker. Joe, a long time resident of Montauk and past Friends of Erin President has guaranteed great weather for this year’s festivities. We should also note that this year’s parade will be on Sunday, March 30th, later in the season than usual. On behalf of the Chiefs, Officers, men and women of the Montauk Fire Department we are looking forward to making the march with Joe and wish him and the Friends of Erin a good march.
I am happy to report that the Emergency Room at the new Stony Brook/Southampton Hospital complex on Pantigo Road in East Hampton will be opening this spring. This will be a tremendous upgrade in the timely quality of care we will be able to give to the citizens of Montauk and to our visitors. As you can imagine, our transit time will be cut in half, a significant improvement for our patients and our staff.
That’s it for this month’s issue. Enjoy the upcoming parade and Easter, and I look forward to talking to catching up in next month’s issue.
~ Peter Joyce, Jr., Chief, Montauk Fire Department
