March 18, 2026
Long Island's volunteer fire departments are sounding the alarm as staffing levels drop to what officials are calling a full-blown crisis — and the closure of the Floral Park Centre Fire Company on New Year's Eve after more than a century of service is the starkest sign yet.
Long Island's volunteer fire departments are sounding the alarm as staffing levels drop to what officials are calling a full-blown crisis — and the closure of the Floral Park Centre Fire Company on New Year's Eve after more than a century of service is the starkest sign yet of the problem.
Across New York State, volunteer firefighter numbers have plunged from 110,000 to roughly 70,000 in recent years, hitting a 40-year low. On Long Island, where 175 fire departments depend almost entirely on volunteers to protect 2.8 million residents, the shortage is hitting home in ways that directly affect public safety.
Floral Park Centre Fire Company Folds After a Century in Nassau County
The Floral Park Centre Fire Company officially ceased operations at 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2025, ending over 100 years of service to the community. It's the first volunteer fire company in Nassau County history to fold.
Members aging out, younger residents unable to commit the time required for training, and the rising cost of living on Long Island all contributed to the decision. The New Hyde Park Fire District and Nassau County Police Ambulance have taken over emergency response coverage for the area.
Nearly Half a Dozen Firehouses Closed Statewide in the Past Year
Floral Park isn't alone. Nearly half a dozen firehouses across New York State have closed in the past year due to volunteer shortages. Other Long Island departments are pooling manpower just to get fire trucks and ambulances out the door for calls.
Nassau County has 69 volunteer and 2 combination fire departments serving 1.3 million residents. Suffolk County has 106 volunteer and 4 career departments with over 10,000 active volunteers. Both counties are feeling the squeeze.
State Lawmakers Consider Paying Volunteers to Fill Coverage Gaps
Fire officials testified in Albany earlier this month, pushing for legislation that would allow fire districts to offer compensation during mandatory on-duty staffing hours. The Firefighters Association of the State of New York is also requesting expanded tax credits, property tax exemptions, child care credits, public service loan forgiveness, and health care coverage for volunteers.
Any fix will require a change in state law — and that process takes time Long Island may not have.
What This Means for Long Island Residents
If you live in a community served by a volunteer fire department, response times could be longer than you expect. Consider checking whether your local department is actively recruiting — most accept applications year-round and provide free training. You can find your local department through the FASNY website at fasny.com.
Long Island's public safety challenges extend beyond fire coverage — Long Island is also receiving $60 million for pothole repairs as the state works to address crumbling infrastructure, while Nassau County has secured over $15 million in federal funding for water, police, and infrastructure projects that could help shore up emergency services capacity.
Source: CBS New York, News 12, Long Island Press, Firehouse Magazine
