The Suffolk County Fire District is governed by an elected board of five commissioners, who are responsible for setting the rules and regulations that govern all fire companies and the fire department. Some of the more populated districts may have a small force of paid firefighters, and every fire district must have a treasurer and a secretary. The board of fire commissioners can also build and maintain an adequate fire alarm system and employ the people needed to carry out the objectives and purposes of the district. Under New York State Labor Law, contractors and subcontractors must pay the current wage rate and supplements (additional benefits) to all workers under a public employment contract.
The Hauppauge Fire District and the Hauppauge Fire Department are proud to sponsor the Explorers Post 660, which will be used for everything from small construction projects on the District's grounds to helping remove snow. On April 25, the District Fire Chief gave a course on fire extinguishers for Will-Bar International employees at Cabot Court, in the Hauppauge industrial park. District employees, led by district manager Carl Thomas and Commissioner Thomas LaFemina, installed a new steel storage mezzanine in the Butler building. The amount of money each station of each fire district in Suffolk County, New York spends on training annually varies depending on the size of the district, its budget, and its needs.
Generally speaking, larger districts with more personnel will spend more on training than smaller districts with fewer personnel. The board of commissioners is responsible for setting aside funds for training each year, which can include courses on fire extinguishers, first aid, hazardous materials response, search and rescue operations, and other topics related to firefighting. In addition to training courses offered by local organizations or institutions, some districts may also send their personnel to specialized training programs offered by state or federal agencies. These programs can be expensive but are often necessary for personnel to stay up-to-date on best practices in their field.
The amount of money each station of each fire district in Suffolk County, New York spends on training annually is ultimately determined by its board of commissioners. It is important for citizens to stay informed about their local fire district's budget so they can ensure that their firefighters are receiving adequate training.
