Understanding Your Fire Department

During the past six months I’ve attended a number of community and civic group meetings, and have made a surprising discovery: Our community truly doesn’t know or understand their Fire Department. Sure, everyone realizes we extinguish fires and handle medical emergencies, but not everyone knows that our primary staff consists of volunteer firefighters and EMTs who have made a commitment to respond whenever duty calls. Even fewer know about the programs and services we provide, or how we function within our community.

To help address this situation, starting today I’ll be posting periodic articles entitled “Understanding Your Fire Department” which will address the more frequently asked questions and comments we receive. Below are the first couple of questions and answers to kick things off.

On behalf of my fellow Commissioners, we welcome the opportunity to provide you with pertinent information about the Dix Hills Fire District and Department. It is our sincere wish to provide all the specifics about the quality services and programs we have available for our community, in this, and future articles. If you have a question, comment, or simply need a better understanding of how your fire district or department functions, please email me at rcommisso@dixhillsfd.org .

Q. What is the difference between the Fire Department and the Fire District?

A.   The “Fire Department” is a group of over 150 unpaid volunteer firefighters and EMT’s who provide fire suppression and emergency medical treatment for our community. They are lead by the Chief of the Department and his three Assistant Chiefs, who are also unpaid volunteers. Last year these dedicated volunteers responded to more than 2,500 calls for help from our community.

On the other hand, the “Fire District” is a governing municipality of the State of New York, headed by a five member “Board of Fire Commissioners”. The Commissioners are responsible for providing you, the residents of Dix Hills, with fire protection as well as emergency medical services. They are the administrative and governing body that decides policy, budgeting, taxation, and manages the buildings, equipment, and vehicles, used by the “Fire Department”.

Q.  If I call an ambulance, why can’t I go to the hospital of my choice?

A.    As a NY State licensed emergency medical service provider, the Dix Hills FD is required to operate under New York State Department of Health and Suffolk County EMS protocols and regulations.

Those regulations require that we assess and treat each patient, and provide a certain “standard” or level of care. As part of that, we are mandated to deliver a patient to the closest “appropriate” hospital in our judgment.  For example, when someone suffers serious burns, an “appropriate” treatment can only be provided at a designated burn center.

Despite the outstanding level of care that our technicians and paramedics provide, time is always of the essence in getting patients to the definitive care of a hospital.  We always consider a patient’s requests, and make every effort to honor their wishes within the parameter of our protocols.

For additional information on the Dix Hills FD please visit our website at:  http://www.dixhillsfd.org/

In the event of a fire or medical emergency, dial 911. For non-emergencies and fire department inquiries, call us at 631-499-8836.