EWFD Profile: Finding Balance and a Second Family

By Elise Vaidya

As the Fourth of July fireworks lit up the sky over Wheatley Hills Golf Club, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jocelyn, one of the newest volunteer members of the East Williston Fire Department.

She joined the department in 2023, and while the team was on standby for the festivities, she shared her story as the first feature in our new Meet Your Neighbors series — a look at the everyday heroes who serve as our volunteer firefighters.

Taking the Leap

When asked what inspired her to become a volunteer firefighter, Jocelyn didn’t point to a single dramatic moment. Instead, it was a long-held thought that quietly persisted until the timing finally felt right.

"Once my kids were a bit more independent, and I kept seeing the department's recruitment mailer in my mailbox, I figured — why not now?" she said. That simple nudge was all it took to begin her membership journey.

More Than Just Fire Calls

One of the biggest misconceptions Jocelyn thinks people may have is that they don’t realize how much training goes into being a volunteer firefighter. It’s not just showing up when a fire alarm rings. New recruits go through 5–6 months of physical and classroom training, two to three nights a week — a serious commitment.

And the learning doesn’t stop there. Members continue their training annually at the Fire Academy in Bethpage and through hands-on exercises with neighboring departments.

But the role of a volunteer firefighter extends far beyond emergencies.

“We’re at community events, teaching fire safety, and helping however we can,” Jocelyn said. She articulated that you don’t have to be to be a big, muscular 25-year-old man to fight fires. There’s always something you can do, and your strengths — whatever they are — are useful here.

Finding Balance and a Second Family

Jocelyn admits it truly took a 'village' in those early months — with family covering childcare during nighttime classes — to help her through academy training. That support made a world of difference, and Jocelyn is grateful that her family’s support enabled her to give back to her community in a meaningful way. 

Although balancing volunteer service with a full-time job and raising two young children isn’t easy, Jocelyn does what works for her. She usually responds to calls on weekends, commits to weekly Thursday night drills, and helps at as many community events as possible. “The department works with your schedule — you give what you can.”  

What surprised her most is how much her daughters have embraced her role. They’re her biggest cheerleaders.

“They love visiting the firehouse and have gotten to know the other members. It’s become a second home — a second family — for all of us.”

Advice for the Hesitant? Just Take the First Step

For anyone considering joining but feeling unsure, Jocelyn has a simple message: You don’t have to be the strongest person in the room to make a difference, you just have to be willing to learn and show up. She acknowledges that the initial training can be intimidating, but reminds prospective volunteers that it gets easier — and more rewarding — over time.

“You start out wanting to help your community, and you end up gaining a lot,” be it friendships, skills, confidence, purpose, or your own smaller community.

If you’ve ever considered becoming a volunteer firefighter — even for a moment — let Jocelyn’s story be the spark. Our community doesn’t run without neighbors like her, and there’s a place for you at the East Williston Fire Department, too.

The East Williston Fire Department is always looking for new volunteers — neighbors who care, who want to give back, and who are ready to find their place in something bigger.

Interested in learning more or joining the volunteer fire department? Come by the next department event on July 24 at 7:30 pm at the Fire House.

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