Gerrittsen Beach Volunteer Fire Department

Brooklyn · Gerrittsen Beach

Volunteer with your community

Department recruitment requirements:
This recruitment form accepts residents of ZIP codes 11229, 11234 and 11235. GBFD must confirm the requirements for your chosen role; a ZIP code alone does not establish eligibility.

Meeting these recruitment requirements does not guarantee membership. Final eligibility is subject to applicable law, department bylaws, and department approval.

Roles you can express interest in:
Firefighter · EMS (Emergency Medical Services)

Train to become a firefighter or EMT

Build lifesaving skills through New York State Firefighter I training or work toward New York State EMT certification, depending on your chosen role and the department training plan.

A benefit and a commitment: Operational members must successfully complete and maintain the training and qualifications required for their assigned duties.

Register interest: Gerrittsen Beach Volunteer Fire Department

Before you apply

Eligibility: This recruitment form accepts residents of ZIP codes 11229, 11234 and 11235. GBFD must confirm the requirements for your chosen role; a ZIP code alone does not establish eligibility.

Training: Most firefighter training takes place at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy (NCFSA). Members can also access DHSES courses, subject to prerequisites, department authorization and available places. EMT certification follows a separate New York State-approved pathway.

Your commitment: GBFD requires firefighter training meeting New York State Firefighter I requirements within 18 months. EMT members must hold current certification or complete an approved EMT course within 18 months. Confirm the drill and duty schedule for your role.

Read the full training and membership answers

This form is not monitored for emergencies. Call 911 for an emergency.

This is an initial expression of interest, not a membership offer or guarantee. Your details are forwarded for recruitment follow-up. Response times vary. Read our Privacy Policy.

Phone

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Name(Required)

Email(Required)

Residential address(Required)

Enter the address where you actually live, including street, city, state and five-digit ZIP code. Apartment or unit is optional. Do not substitute a department address or workplace address.

Phone

Optional. Include a number if you prefer a call or text.

Required. Select at least one option.

I am interested in(Required)

Select all that apply.

Firefighter

EMS (Emergency Medical Services)

Questions or relevant experience

Optional. You may include relevant experience or ask the department a question.

Required. Select the checkbox to confirm.

Volunteer status(Required)

I understand this is an unpaid volunteer opportunity.

Required. Select the checkbox to confirm.

Eligibility confirmation(Required)

I confirm that I live in ZIP code 11229, 11234, or 11235.

Before you commit

How much time and training are required?

Firefighter members must complete Nassau County Fire Service Academy training, or a department-approved equivalent meeting New York State Firefighter I requirements, within 18 months of joining. EMT members must already hold current certification or successfully complete a New York State-approved EMT course within 18 months. Members must also meet the training, drill and participation requirements for their roles; discuss the schedule and your availability during the application process.

Which roles can I apply for?

You can express interest in becoming a Firefighter or an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). GBFD will confirm the eligibility, training and participation requirements for your chosen role.

How does sponsored EMT training work?

Eligible active members may receive GBFD-sponsored EMT training at no upfront cost in exchange for a service commitment. Participation, agreement and repayment terms apply. Review those terms before enrolling. Ask which equipment, insurance coverage and annual medical examination are provided for your role, and whether any other costs apply.

Is training required for my role?

Yes. Operational members must complete the training, assessments and qualifications required for their assigned duties and participate in ongoing training. Firefighter I training and EMT certification are different pathways; the department will confirm which applies to your role.

Where will I train?

Most firefighter training for VFANYC members takes place at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy (NCFSA). Members of all eight departments can also access training offered by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), subject to course prerequisites, department authorization and available places. Your chief or training officer coordinates the training appropriate to your role. NCFSA registration is handled by a chief or authorized training officer; EMT training follows a separate approved pathway.

What happens after I submit interest?

Start by sending the interest form. Your details are forwarded for recruitment follow-up with your selected department. Submitting interest is not membership approval. Response times vary; use the department contact details on this page if you need to follow up.

Visit the department website

Explore NCFSA training · View available DHSES courses

Organized in 1922, the Gerrittsen Beach Volunteer Fire Department has served its Brooklyn waterfront community for more than a century. Known locally as the Vollies, its members respond to fires, medical emergencies and other calls for help.

Today, volunteers contribute through firefighting and emergency medical services. Each role comes with its own training and participation requirements.

Memberships We Offer

Services We Offer

GBFD provides fire response and basic life support ambulance service for the Gerrittsen Beach community. Its response work includes neighborhood fires, brush fires and medical emergencies.

Why Our Department

Volunteering is a commitment to your neighbors and fellow members. GBFD members must meet the training, drill and participation requirements for their roles. Discuss your availability and the department’s expectations during the application process.

Members follow the firefighter or EMT training pathway described above.

Service offers opportunities to develop practical skills, leadership and lasting community connections. Ask which equipment, insurance coverage and annual medical examination are provided for your role. Any tax benefit or training stipend is subject to the relevant program’s eligibility rules.

Benefits Include:

On Call