Who are they? You may have heard the sirens, seen them fly by you, or even called them for help. These volunteers are dedicated to helping their community in any way possible. All of Hawthorne’s Emergency Medical Technicians and Firefighters are volunteers. They rely solely on donations and fundraisers for total upkeep of 5 Fire Engines and 3 Ambulance’s plus a special operations vehicle.
HVAC’S Beginning The ambulance services began in 1932 after a group of veterans saw the need for medical services in Hawthorne. They named it after Reverend William B. Mawhinney who was the Pastor of St. Clements church for many years. They began active service on Memorial Day of 1932 and was located at the Police headquarters on Garfield and Lafayette Ave. In the late 1950’s the Borough of Hawthorne built a 3 bay garage to house 3 ambulances and created a meeting room for the members. When a fire burned down the old town hall in 1978, they decided to downgrade to a smaller 2 bay garage. That was their home for the next 26 years. In 1997 a request was made for a building of their own and was accepted. This is where they are still located now on 970 Goffle Road. Over the years the corps has purchased 21 ambulances. Many vehicles have been donated over the years as well. Currently the Corps has 3 ambulances, a first responder vehicle, a chief’s vehicle, a special operations trailer, and 2 bicycles.
Fire’s Beginning Hawthorne’s Fire Department was originally a private business created in different regions of the town by citizens that lived here. Hawthorne’s first fire company goes all the way back to November of 1915. Hawthorne’s different companies kept growing and expanding. Currently in Hawthorne there are 5 fire companies that make up one whole fire department.
Why should you join? Being fully volunteer it takes guts to put your life and time on the line but, it comes with many benefits to join one of Hawthorne’s volunteer emergency services. You can learn many new skills specific to the fire or medical services. You may even build up some of your social skills. Many volunteers get the chance to meet with community members at many different events and specific calls that they may go on. Joining the service can help you achieve your goals, start a new path in your life, or even build your courage, integrity, and team skills.
Junior programs Both programs also give access to the youth to get involved and help their community. For the fire department you can start attending classes as young as 14 years old. Classes include fire prevention, fire behavior, engine and truck company operations, ropes and knots, basic first aid and CPR. Once you have successfully completed the class you will begin your 4 month rotation on each of the 5 fire engines in town to see how they function and you will get to know each firefighter individually.
With the Hawthorne Ambulance Corps you have the chance to become an observer beginning at the age 16. This allows you to get assigned to a shift and go on various calls and witness real certified EMTs in action. After three months you have the option to attend a 4 month course which will be sponsored by the Ambulance Corps and if you pass, you can then become a probationary EMT. If you work hard you will come off probation with the one restriction that you are over the age of 18 you can take calls with another member and start helping out the community.
Join now Hawthorne emergency services can bring the good out of you and help you connect to the community. If you are interested in joining the fire department please go to Hawthorne Fire – Become a Member or if interested in joining the Ambulance Corps please go to Hawthorne Ambulance Corps – Become a Member. Your service is needed and wanted. So are you up to the task, will you serve your town to the best of your abilities, Join today!