Councilman Fidler to DSNY: Re-Vamp Seba Avenue for Snow Removal

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Councilman Fidler, has asked the Department of Santation to upgrade the designation of Seba avenue during snow storms, to expedite the Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department response during emergencies

The entire Gerritsen Beach community is named tertiary (last to be plowed) during snow storms.

Dear Commissioner Doherty,
I am writing to request that a change be made to the snow priority designation of one of the streets in my neighborhood, Seba Avenue. At minimum, the blocks between Gerritsen Avenue and 52 Seba Avenue should be upgraded from their current tertiary status to allow for the necessary rapid response time by the Gerritsen Beach Volunteer Fire Department.

As you know, ‘primary’ streets are the ones that are most concentrated in terms of traffic flow as well as facilities such as firehouses, hospitals, and nursing homes. Since these facilities are in high demand in times of emergency, there is a great need for these streets to be cleared.

The Gerritsen Beach neighborhood is currently comprised of all tertiary streets, with the exception of Gerritsen Avenue, which is a primary street. However, the Gerritsen Beach Volunteer Fire Department is located at 52 Seba Avenue, currently designated as a tertiary street. With tertiary designation, these first responders would be temporarily cut off from being able to respond, when needed. Making Seba Avenue a higher priority would provide better access and allow the Gerritsen Beach Volunteer Fire Department to operate quickly and efficiently, should an emergency arise.

I thank you for your time and hope that this change in designation can be made quickly

Ragamuffin Parade

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Via GBFD.net

Thanksgiving day, The Gerritsen Beach Fire Department held their Annual Ragamuffin parade for the families and children of Gerritsen Beach. Santa, costumed Vollies, and the Gerritsen Beach Marching Band escorted many families who walk behind to get their chance to see Santa. The last stop is the Vollies Blue Star Mothers Hall where Santa meets and greets the children.

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More pictures are up at GBFD.net, there are lots of funny screaming kid pictures.

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Events: Vollies Thanksgiving Ragamuffin Day Parade

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2010 - Ragamuffin

Remember this Thanksgiving Day the Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department will hold their annual Ragamuffin parade.  The last stop is the Vollies Blue Star Mothers Hall where Santa meets and greets the children.

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2010 - Ragamuffin

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2010 - Ragamuffin

Chauncey Howell Talks To Gerritsen Beach

Vollies Mural Repaired

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Repaired mural

Last May Goldman Sachs helped the Vollies with a bit of spring cleaning while Joe Indart painted a mural on the outside of the Blue Star Mothers Hall. Then less than two weeks later it was defaced.

Now finally it has been repaired by the artist!

Vollies Graffiti

Defaced mural last June

Vollies Offering EMT Class

going in

For anyone looking to get into the Emergency Medical Service get certified now and for only $850

The Vollies will be hosting an NYS EMT class beginning in early October.

Phone: 718-332-9292

52 Seba Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11229

With Hurricane Irene Approaching

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Hurricane Irene is approaching and the Vollies would like for you to know the following information

The Vollies will be available in the event a problem may arise you can contact them at 718-332-3333 (emergency) or 718-332-9292 (non emergency). Please continue to check the news for changes in the weather so you may plan accordingly.

Flooding may occur in the Gerritsen Beach area as well as surrounding area’s. There may also be high winds and heavy rain. Please be sure to secure any loose items around the perimeter of your home as these items may blown away by the heavy winds. Check basements for flooding. If possible please check in on the elderly or disabled.

OUTER-BANDS FROM IRENE SHOULD BEGIN TO IMPACT THE AREAS BY SATURDAY NIGHT. WEATHER DETERIORATES FURTHER SUNDAY AS A IRENE APPROACHES. EXPECT WIDESPREAD HEAVY RAINFALL FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH
SUNDAY…THEN PRECIPITATION TAPERS OFF FROM S TO N AS IRENE PULLS AWAY SUNDAY NIGH

DO NOT FOCUS JUST ON THE FORECAST TRACK…AS ITS DANGEROUSLY STRONG WIND FIELD LIKELY WILL ENVELOP MOST OF THE REGION…EVEN ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE STORM.

ALL PREPARATIONS FOR HURRICANE IRENE SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY SATURDAY AFTERNOON…AS WINDS/RAINS BEGINNING SATURDAY NIGHT…AND DEFINITELY SUNDAY WILL MAKE IT DIFFICULT…IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE TO TAKE ANY ACTION THEN.


Our Evacuation Center

IS 292
301 VERMONT ST
BROOKLYN 11207

CROSS STREETS: Between PITKIN AVENUE and BELMONT AVENUE

  • Know where your gas shut off is & be prepared to turn it off.
  • Protect your home by bringing inside loose, lightweight objects, such as lawn furniture, garbage cans, garden tools, and toys. Anchor larger objects outside.
  • If a tree fallsm call it in
  • If power lines fall, call it in or call con ed or click here to report an outage
  • Clear any water traps, check on sump pumps, check sewer caps.
  • Place valuables in waterproof containers or plastic bags to protect from flooding damage.
  • Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially those with disabilities or special needs, and assist them with their preparation.
  • Consider turning off basement circuit breakers.
  • Check and restock your emergency supply kit in case of power outages.

The Vollies will be available in the event a problem may arise you can contact them at 718-332-3333 (emergency) or 718-332-9292 (non emergency). Please continue to check the news for changes in the weather so you may plan accordingly.

Emergency Supply Kit
Keep enough supplies in your home to survive on your own, or shelter in place, for at least three days. If possible, keep these materials in an easily accessible, separate container or special cupboard. You should indicate to your household members that these supplies are for emergencies only. Check expiration dates of food and update your kits when you change your clock during daylight-saving times.

  • One gallon of drinking water per person per day
  • Non-perishable, ready-to-eat canned foods and manual can opener
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight*
  • Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries (you can also buy wind-up radios that do not require batteries)
  • Whistle
  • Iodine tablets or one quart of unscented bleach (for disinfecting water ONLY if directed to do so by health officials) and eyedropper (for adding bleach to water)
  • Personal hygiene items: soap, feminine hygiene products, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc.
  • Phone that does not rely on electricity
  • Child care supplies or other special care items

Vollies Hosting Blood Drive – Free Mets Tickets

Photo by Metsfan84, (Citi Field during the first regular season game at the ballpark. 4/13/09. )

 

Come join the Gerrittsen Beach Volunteer Fire Dept for their annual Blood Drive.

Saturday, June 18 · 9:00am – 3:00pm

All successful donors will receive one pair of mets tickets for an up-coming game. Donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission), weigh at least 110 lbs and be in good health.

Give the gift of life, give blood.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
Gerrittsen Beach Fire Dept– 1-718-332-9292 OR
NYC Blood Center– 1-800-688-0900

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Gerritsen Beach Vollies Brush Fire Video

Vollies Painted New Fire Zone

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50% Complete Fire Zone

Over the weekend the Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department painted a new Fire Zone on Seba Avenue. The vollies are on a roll: they painted the firehouse, put a new roof on the hall, and put a new ceiling inside the hall.

Via GBFD.net

photo

FF Castro staying within the lines.

Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department Open House Weekend

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FF English & FF Sherman extinguish training fire.

There was a festive atmosphere this past weekend at the Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department firehouse where Engine 1 and Ambulance 3 lined the street and firefighters welcomed visitors as part of a statewide initiative to attract volunteers to shrinking fire volunteer departments. The Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department is the only volunteer fire department in Brooklyn participating in the recruitment drive initiated by the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York. DSC_0594

Most visitors Saturday and Sunday were young girls and boys who came with their parents to look at the firetrucks. They were allowed to clamber in and out, chat with firefighters and watch demonstrations. By the end of the open house, a string of people had come and gone with a few serious volunteers. The department plans on having an open house again before the summer.

Photo Gallery

Interested in Volunteering? Dispatching? EMT? Firefighter? Special Services? Email: volunteer@gbfd.net

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FF Sherman's :)

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Jaws of Life: Hurst tool above, Power Hawk tool below

Vollies Busy Painting

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The Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department has been busy recently, they have scheduled an open house, and now according to their website have painted their entire fire house.

We like hearing actual volley news, the website is a good step.

They have a wishlist of projects that maybe you can help with or donate toward.

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Vollies to Host Open House

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Via GBFD.net
Come Out to the Gertritsen Beach Fire Department & See What It’s All About

The Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department is opening its doors to area residents, so they can learn about what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter in their community, as part of a statewide program called Recruit NY. Over the last several years, it has been very tough for many fire departments throughout New York State to recruit and retain volunteers for a variety of reasons. Like most volunteer fire departments, the Gerritsen Beach Fire Department needs to bolster its emergency responder numbers, so it can continue to provide the optimum level of protection for its residents. Now more than ever, they need more of their neighbors joining their fire department.

On Saturday, April 9th & Sunday, April 10th between 12pm – 3pm, the Gerrittsen Beach Fire Departmentlocated 52 Seba Avenue will join in an initiative with volunteer fire departments all across the state at their respective firehouses for a unified recruitment drive, as part of National Volunteer Week 2011. Not only willRecruit NY be an opportunity to highlight the duties and rewards that come with being a volunteer firefighter, it will also raise public awareness about the need for volunteers. The hope is that a collaborative effort among volunteer fire departments statewide will turn the declining number of volunteer firefighters around.

“Come on out and join us for this unique recruitment day at our firehouse,” said Doreen Greenwood Assistant Chief.  “This is a great opportunity for our neighbors to observe the tasks of a firefighter and EMT. Our current members love what they do; they are everyday heroes who help neighbors in need. We hope our recruitment day will inspire other area residents to join our fire service family.”

Throughout the day, the Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department will conduct tours of the station and firefighter apparatus, allow visitors to try on turnout gear, and provide activities and stations throughout the firehouse for visitors to participate in. The fire department will discuss the requirements to be a volunteer, as well as conduct demonstrations, answer questions, and let visitors know how to get involved in the fire department.

 

Volley Annual Fundraiser

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Dear Friends and Neighbors;

There has been much excitement around the Firehouse this past year. The department’s Instructors have been teaching an Emergency Medical Technician course at the Vollies Memorial Training Hall since February. This class will give the department 6 new EMTs to ride the ambulance. There have also been many new firefighters in training along with many new dispatchers. Special Services has been activated so that everyone can offer their expertise to assist the department in their new growth. We are very happy to have past members join us again to share their expertise.

October 2010 began our 2011 annual fund drive. Letters requesting donations were delivered to the doors of over 2,000 homes and businesses in Gerrittsen Beach. Also, in October our Officers and Fire Council were elected into office. The Chief, John Czap and our Corporation President Vincent Mezzatesta have been directing the department since our Installation of Officers ceremony that was held during the Holiday party in December.

This month, our annual payment of $29,733.12 is due for the Community Fire Truck. Insurance payments of $29,000.00 are paid through the year for liability for the trucks and buildings. Supplies, equipment and operations run a costly $50,000.00 annually. These expenses cannot be paid without your help. To date a total of less than 20% of the total homes and businesses have donated.

Save the dates; April 9 and 10th from noon-3pm is a weekend to Learn more about the volunteer fire service in your community. Volunteer NY will be held at the firehouse. All local volunteer fire services will be joining us all over the state. The entire community is welcome to come by. On June 18th at 9am, we will be hosting a blood drive in our training hall. On June 24th at 7pm in the Cort Club, we will hold our annual Chinese Auction. Your support is necessary to keep our unique organization afloat. Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department is the only Volunteer Fire Department in Brooklyn.

Please take a moment to send in your annual donation in the enclosed postage paid envelope. Golden donor this year is $85.00 but every donation counts towards our fundraising efforts. Please send what ever you can as soon as possible. If you have already donated this year, thank you . You will be receiving your fund drive sticker in July, after our fund drive is closed for 2011.

Thank You
The 2011 Fund Drive Committee

Visit the new GBFD.net

Breaking: Fire at 71 & 73 Bartlett Place

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Fire at 71 Bartlett Basement - Photo by Helene T.

A fire broke out in the basement of 71 Bartlett Place and quickly spread to 73 Bartlett place.

Continue reading Breaking: Fire at 71 & 73 Bartlett Place

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