Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department & Ambulance Corp.

The department originally started on August 31st, 1905, as a bucket brigade to help minimize property loss due to fires and lower insurance premiums, as there was no form of fire protection on the island. On December 15, 1907, this brigade was formally organized into the Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Association under its first chief, Edward H. Schlueter. The current firehouse at 15 Noel Road was opened on Firemens Day, 1908.

The department reorganized on August 15, 1951, and changed its name to the Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department. In 1956, the department added volunteer ambulance services to provide first aid and ambulatory care to the residents of Broad Channel. In 1994, the volunteer ambulance corps were granted their New York State Certification. Since then, the department has taken the initiative to require all its responding members to be New York State Certified in all aspects of the fire service and EMS.

Broad Channel Volunteers Inc. is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization whose mission statement is to protect life and property on the island of Broad Channel and the surrounding waters of Jamaica Bay. We rely solely on door-to-door donations, grants, and fundraisers. Since 1905, our staff has been and continues to be 100% volunteer.