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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join the Suffern Fire Department?
All prospective members must obtain and file an application to join one of the two companies - Suffern Volunteer Hose Co #1 or Suffern Hook & Ladder Co #1. See the Locations page, and stop by there on any Monday night at 7pm. Ask for the Company President or Captain. For additional information, please contact the Chief's office at 845-357-6066.
What are the primary responsibilities of the Hose Company?
At fire and accident scenes, members of the Hose Company are primarily responsible for locating and extinguishing the fire, obtaining a source of water to sustain fire fighting operations, and assisting the Hook & Ladder with their operations, as needed.
What are the primary responsibilities of the Hook & Ladder Company?
At fire scenes, members of the Hook & Ladder are primarily responsible for forcible entry, search & rescue, ladder operations, ventilation, salvage and overhaul. Assistance will also be given to the Hose Company, on an as needed basis. At accident scenes, this company is responsible for using the Jaws of Life to rescue victims from vehicles.
What is the meaning behind the Maltese Cross?
When a courageous band of crusaders known as the Knights of St. John, fought the Saracens for possession of the holy land, they encountered a new weapon unknown to European warriors. It was a simple, but a horrible device of war, it wrought excruciating pain and agonizing death upon the brave fighters for the cross. The Saracen's weapon was fire.
As the crusaders advanced on the walls of the city, they were struck by glass bombs containing naphtha. When they became saturated with the highly flammable liquid, the Saracens hurled a flaming torch into their midst. Hundreds of the knights were burned alive; others risked their lives to save their brothers-in-arms from dying painful, fiery death.
Thus, these men became our first firemen and the first of a long list of courageous firefighters. Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow crusaders who awarded each here a badge of honor - a cross similar to the one firemen wear today. Since the Knights of St. John lived for close to four centuries on a little island in the Mediterranean Sea named Malta, the cross came to be known as the Maltese Cross.
The Maltese Cross is your symbol of protection. It means that the fireman who wears this cross is willing to lay down his life for you just as the crusaders sacrificed their lives for their fellow man so many years ago. The Maltese Cross is a fireman's badge of honor, signifying that he works in courage - a ladder rung away from death.
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