|
| 2024 Incident Totals |
| Month | Total |
| Jan | 50 |
| Feb | 49 |
| Mar | 55 |
| Apr | 57 |
| May | 56 |
| Jun | 67 |
| Jul | 54 |
| Aug | 56 |
| Sep | 41 |
| Oct | 63 |
| Nov | 54 |
| Dec | 62 |
| Total | 664 |
| Web Counters |
Website Visitors
Since
March 2, 2022
|
Visitors Today
May 02, 2025
|
|
HUGHSONVILLE WEATHER
|
|
The Junior Hughsonville Firefighters (JHV), organization, also known informally as “The Ashkickers”, was chartered in February of 2024 to replace Hughsonville Fire Department’s (HFD) active Explorer Program. JHV runs under the auspices of the HFD Board of Commissioners and Firematic Officers and operates with its own leadership team comprised of youth Officers and adult Advisors.
The goal of the JHF is to train interested youth (14-18 yrs.) in learning the ins and outs of firefighting, EMS, and first response. Some of the many hands-on skills we cover are: leadership, teamwork, hydrant & hose operations, emergency communications, search & rescue, ladder procedures, basic first aid & life support, vehicular firefighting & extrication, mayday techniques, maintenance of equipment & personal gear, forcible entry, discipline, physical fitness, and problem-solving.
At a typical meeting, an Ashkicker might expect to start with knot tying practice or physical training, learn theory and technique on a specific subject, compete against the clock while putting on their bunker gear, then go out and reinforce their subject knowledge with actual live practice. These subjects are taught by the fire officers and firefighters of the Hughsonville Fire Department, with occasional support from NY State Fire Instructors and other guests who have specialized knowledge and experience.
We take this vocational training very seriously, but we also like to have fun! We subscribe to the idea of “Work Hard, Play Hard” and every so often we take a meeting off to go outside and have a BBQ, eat some ice cream, throw a frisbee around, or get soaking wet when the heat and humidity are conspiring against us. We’ve taken field trips to firefighting museums, learned ropework and climbing techniques at a local climbing gym, and also won unit trophies in numerous local parades. There are constantly plans in the works to go places where we can learn, practice, and/or just have a good time.
Ashkickers are more than just members of an organization, they are members of a larger family that is the Hughsonville Fire Department. When you join the JHF, you literally become part of the Department! The bonds within the HFD Organization are very tight and Ashkickers are very fortunate to enjoy a high level of support on a multitude of levels. In return, the JHF supports the mission of HFD and helps whenever possible, such as staffing monthly pancake breakfasts, helping with rig checks, fundraising, cleaning apparatus and other occasional work details.
We are always looking for dedicated youth that are interested in joining the JHF, but it is not for everybody. JHF has high standards and expectations, especially discipline, regular attendance, the desire to work hard, try new things, neatness, punctuality, and teamwork. We are co-ed and equal opportunity and do not tolerate cliques or bullying of any kind. As we are a fire service organization, we do require our members to be physically fit and maintain the proper fitness to be able to practice the necessary skills of a Junior Firefighter.
The last requirement is respect. HFD and JHF will give you respect but we also ask for it in return. A good firefighter will respect theirs and other departments, leaders, fellow members, apparatus, gear, the community at large, and themselves.
We serve lower Dutchess County, NY and our goal is to educate youth members from all over the area to prepare them to volunteer with their local fire departments, including, but not limited to HFD. JHF usually meets the first three Wednesdays of the month, year-round, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, though we sometimes adjust the schedule to accommodate holidays, field trips, or special events.
If you think you might be up to the challenge of becoming an Ashkicker, please arrange in advance to attend one of our meetings and see if it might be a good fit. If you are dedicated, we’d love to have you!
Please contact:
Lead Advisor Daniel Mochon: Post3045@hfd45.org
Applications for JHF membership can be found on the www.hfd45.org website or in person at the Hughsonville Fire Department at 88 Old Hopewell Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.
|
|
|
