top of page

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

pancakebreakfast2016 (10).JPG
pancakebreakfast2016 (19).JPG

Building strong connections with the community goes far beyond responding to emergencies. The Fire Department, in partnership with the Port Washington Fire/EMS Association, is dedicated to making a lasting impact. The association is comprised of current and past firefighters and EMS providers, including full-time, part-time, and paid-on-call members, all working together to support the department and the community. Through this collaboration, a variety of programs strengthen the connection with the community and promote safety, education, and service. From providing fire education materials at public events, school visits, and open houses to offering basic first aid training for local Cub Scout groups, sharing life-saving knowledge remains a priority. The Port Washington Fire Department Scholarship supports students pursuing a career in the fire service, and the Fire Department Memorial receives ongoing maintenance to honor those who served.

​

Beyond education, community support efforts include participation in programs like the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s “Fill the Boot” campaign, the Salvation Army Bell Ringing Campaign, and the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. Fundraising efforts have contributed to the Fire Department’s Active Shooter Response Team, and donations have included a defibrillator for the Community Learning Center and contributions to local charities and memorial projects. The association also helps purchase life-saving equipment that exceeds the department’s budget, ensuring that firefighters and paramedics have the tools they need to respond effectively. Youth sports teams receive sponsorships, and partnerships with initiatives like the Safe Kids Coalition’s “Delivering Fire Prevention” program and the Kapco Kids 2 Kids toy donation effort help extend outreach even further. These efforts reinforce the strong bond between the department and the community, ensuring that its presence extends far beyond emergency response.

COMMUNITY SMOKE DETECTOR PROGRAM

Smoke detectors are one of the most important safety devices in any home, providing early warning in the event of a fire and giving occupants crucial time to escape. Fires can spread rapidly, and in many cases, smoke and toxic gases pose a greater danger than flames.  The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends having smoke detectors on every level of a home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.​

​

In conjunction with the Fire/EMS Association, the Fire Department has launched a residential smoke detector donation and installation program to ensure that every home has access to this critical life-saving equipment. This initiative helps provide and install smoke detectors at no cost for households in need.

Smoke Detector Outreach_edited.jpg

To qualify, applicants must own and reside in a single-family home within the City or Town of Port Washington and meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • A physical limitation or disability prevents you from installing or maintaining a smoke detector.

  • Your home does not have a working smoke detector, and purchasing one is not financially feasible.

  • You need assistance determining the proper placement and installation of a smoke detector.

bottom of page