Mutual aid policy changed at the fire department of New York village, Deferiet

The New York village of Deferiet has undergone some changes recently, as following long-term Fire Chief Timothy Irey resigning in November, Douglas Babcock – the First Assistant Chief – was pushed up to be chief of the Deferiet Volunteer Fire Department.
The whole leadership picture could change in the aftermath of the department’s elections, which take place in March, but for now, Babcock is ensuring he works hard to improve the department and to get more numbers in.
“We’re still here and moving forward,” said the chief.
In order to better serve the community, the department has taken the decision to – in coordination with the town of Wilna and the Carthage-Wilna Fire District – change their mutual aid policy.
As a result of the changes, Great Bend, Natural Bridge and the Carthage-Wilna Fire District will all be contacted on the first alarm for fires in Deferiet and Herrings.
“It’s easier to turn them around than not to have them,” said Chief Babcock.
In addition, Babcock has said that the fire department has around 20 members, of which six are qualified as interior firefighters, while there are seven who are ‘cross-trained’ as emergency medical technicians and firefighters.
“I don’t know of any department which is not looking for new members,” he said.