I write this letter to remind the people of Farmingdale of the great service that our volunteer firefighters are committed to. They are always on the alert to answer any call of assistance when the siren calls them to duty. They are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is our volunteer Farmingdale firefighters, the men and women, that protect us and who we should constantly be proud of.

I admire these firefighters more than I could possibly say because of their dedication and their unwavering commitment to all of us in this community. I have been lucky enough to be in the fire department as their chaplain, an honor that was given to me approximately 20 years ago. They are all volunteers, non-salaried, and I have witnessed them in many rescues as well as fighting fires large and small. I have heard or seen them being called to their posts when people's lives or their homes are endangered. I have seen or heard them going out on calls at 3 a.m. to rescue people they may not even know, while risking their own lives. I have seen or heard them going out in all kinds of weather, in heat waves and in freezing weather. They never say they won't go or say they're too busy, but instead jump right in and worry more about other people's safety than they do their own. My admiration for these dedicated men and women runs deep and I thank them for the goodness and compassion they have for others.

I have gotten to know most of these wonderful people and have spent time with them formally and also at recreational events. They are good people who do this difficult job with very little recognition or thanks. I hope that the next time you hear the sirens go off, calling these people to service, you will remember to say a little prayer for their safety. Also pray for their wonderful families who support our firefighters and their risking life and limb to be there for us.

Herman Rodenburg
Chaplain