Probationary, Apprentice Firefighters Sworn In

Four young men took their initial steps Tuesday toward becoming members of the Wyckoff Volunteer Fire Department.

Joshua Bushman, Michael Schell and Richard Greenwood were administered their oaths of office as probationary firefighters during the Township Committee's regular business meeting at Town Hall. Additionally, Ramapo High School sophomore Jonathan Tani was appointed an apprentice firefighter.

"You've joined a great organization," Mayor Rudy Boonstra said in front of a chamber crowded with the appointments' families and firefighters.

Bushman is a graduate of Lincoln Technical Institute and currently attends the Bergen County Fire Academy. He sees serving as a "very rewarding experience" and may be interested in serving in a paid fire service in the future.

Schell is a 20-year Wyckoff resident and 2007 Ramapo High School graduate. He is pursuing an associate's degree in broadcasting from Bergen Community College and plans to attend Quinnipiac or William Paterson University to pursue a bachelor's degree in media production.

Greenwood, 19, also is a Ramapo graduate and Bergen Community College student. The Barbra Avenue resident studies music business.

Tani is a lifelong resident and Boy Scout with Troop 89. His brother, Matthew Tani, is a member of the department and is serving as his sponsor, which is necessary for apprentice members. He is interested in becoming a department junior firefighter.

Fire Chief David Murphy said both probationary and apprentice firefighters' involvement is limited. While both can ride along to scenes, neither can be actively involved in emergency response or be near any dangerous hot spots. Essentially, their participation is a "learning session" on what it takes to be a firefighter.

Probationary firefighters are those who are older than 18 but who have not graduated from fire school. After they are accepted as probationary members, they have a year to attend fire school, as Bushman is currently doing.

The "apprentice" designation is reserved for minors who must either by sponsored by a member or be a child of a firefighter. While an apprentice will be exposed to fire department operations, there are not too many demands on them, as "school comes first," Murphy said.

The chief said the department always welcomes volunteers interested in serving, whether as firefighters or in a non-response role, such as on the fire desk or fire police. To obtain an application, stop by any of the department's three companies on Monday evenings or visit www.wyckofffire.com. For more information, call 201-891-1100 or e-mail the membership committee at membership@wyckofffire.com.