As residents and business owners who make up the board of the Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce, we wanted to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for all the first responders in our area and let the community and visitors know the various ways you can support and contribute to the fire and EMS departments that do everything possible to ensure the safety of you, your home, and your business.

Who Are Our First Responders?

They are all volunteers. They are our neighbors, our co-workers, and our friends. These are individuals who are always on standby, ready to drop whatever they are doing to race to a call.

A recent study by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) concluded that volunteers save the taxpayers of Delaware County around $68 million in property taxes as opposed to having paid firefighters.

How Are They Funded?

While fire and emergency services in Delaware County are volunteer-based, there is a definite need for funding to ensure they have everything required to respond to the needs of our area. That funding comes from a combination of local taxes, government grants, and fundraising efforts.

What You Can Do to Help

Volunteerism

Volunteering: Many fire departments, especially in areas like Delaware County, rely almost exclusively on volunteers. Individuals can volunteer their time to assist in various roles, such as firefighting, emergency medical services, administration, or fundraising.
Corporate Volunteering: Businesses can encourage their employees to volunteer for fire and EMS services by providing flexible hours, organizing team volunteer events, or offering paid time off for volunteering.

Donate

Monetary Donations: Individuals and businesses can contribute financial support to local fire and EMS departments. These donations help fund equipment purchases, training, facility maintenance, and operating expenses.
In-kind Donations: Local businesses may donate goods or services that help fire and EMS departments, such as office supplies, food and beverages for volunteers, or even equipment.

Fundraising

Corporate Sponsorships: Local businesses can become sponsors for fire and EMS-related events or specific projects, such as the purchase of new fire trucks or medical equipment.
Community Fundraisers: Our local fire and EMS services often hold or collaborate on fundraising events, such as dinners, raffles, auctions, car washes, and benefit events. Individuals and businesses can volunteer to help organize, sponsor, and support these events.

Equipment Donations

Direct Equipment Purchases: Individuals or businesses can make large contributions toward purchasing specific tools or apparatus, such as defibrillators, firefighting hoses, or personal protective equipment.
Used Equipment: Businesses that are upgrading their equipment might donate their older items to fire and EMS services, such as computers, medical supplies, or even vehicles.

These are just a few of the ways that individuals and businesses can support our local fire and EMS services. We as a Chamber of Commerce will look for ways to support and advocate for those who serve us anywhere we can.

Where can I learn more?

Delaware County Emergency Services is an office in Delaware County that coordinates a variety of tasks regarding emergency management in the county. They coordinate emergency responders, EMS and fire training, 911 oversight, and manage elements of the Delaware County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. You can visit their website to learn about upcoming training sessions and read about the best ways to prepare for an emergency.

Below are Fire & EMS Departments that serve the Greater Delhi Area:

Bloomville Fire Department & EMS
Bovina Fire Department & EMS
Delhi Fire Department & EMS, also has a station in Hamden, NY
East Meredith Fire & EMS Department
Meridale Fire & EMS Department
Treadwell Fire & EMS
Delaware County Firefighters Association