Monsey ends 149-year volunteer fire arrangement to fund paid staff

The Monsey Fire District is terminating its long-standing agreement with the Brewer Fire Engine Company, ending a 149-year history of volunteer service in the community. The district is replacing the volunteer model with a new Monsey Fire Rescue Company that will rely on paid personnel to handle its growing caseload.

Yossi Gestetner, the district’s public affairs officer, stated that the change is necessary to manage approximately 1,400 emergency calls received annually. He explained that the district plans to hire contracted workers to staff a full crew around the clock. Volunteers will continue to support these paid staff members for additional tasks.

If the plan proceeds, Rockland County will employ its first paid firefighters. Gestetner noted that the district has set aside $1.6 million for this initiative in the 2027 budget. This allocation represents an increase of roughly $80,000 over the current year’s total budget.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions among local residents. An online petition backing the Brewer Fire Engine Company has gathered a few hundred signatures. A member of the Brewer company, speaking off camera, said that most firefighters do not intend to join the new entity. Several have already moved to other fire departments within Rockland County.

The Monsey Fire District will hold a public comment session on November 5 at 8 a.m. The meeting will focus on a proposal to bring in an outside provider for emergency services. The session is scheduled for 381 Route 306 in Wesley Hills.