Fire Police

In New York State - Fire Police are Active Fire Company Members and sworn Peace Officers.

Fire Police are members of a specialized fire police squad within the fire company assigned to respond to emergency calls for the purpose of scene security. They receive special training and are are responsible for traffic control, crowd control and fire and incident scene security during calls for service.

While the primary role of the Fire Police is scene security and to provide support for operational needs. They also assist regular Police when needed performing road closures, traffic control, crowd control at public events, missing persons searches, parade details and whatever the chief or officer in charge deems necessary for emergency incident mitigation.

Many of the above tasks also fall within the the area of responsibility of the Police, but Fire Police when on the scene may allow the Police to concentrate on other more specific areas of expertise.

New York State Laws that give Fire Police their powers

Criminal Procedure Law Article 2 Section 2.10 sub 41:

fire police designated as peace officers;

General Municipal Law Section 209-c:

Organizing fire police squads within fire departments or fire companies, having the powers of and rendering services as peace officers, the duty and function of a squad and the powers of squad members.

Vehicle and Traffic Law, Section 1602, Emergency Rule Subsection (a)

Authority of Fire Police to close streets and roads for the diversion of traffic

Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1102:
Obedience to Police Officers and Flag Persons - No person shall fail to refuse to comply with any lawful order or direction or any police officer or flag person or other person duly empowered to regulate traffic.

Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1217:
Following Emergency Fire Vehicles Prohibited - The driver of any vehicle other than one on official business shall not follow any authorized emergency fire vehicle in the same lane or adjacent lane to the one being used by such fire vehicle at a distance closer than 200 feet while such vehicle is displaying (emergency lights) nor shall such driver drive into or park his vehicle within the block or where there is no block, within one thousand feet of where such fire vehicle has stopped in answer to a fire alarm.

Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1218

Crossing Fire Hose - No vehicle shall be driven over any unprotected hose of fire department when laid down on any street or private driveway, to be used at any fire or alarm of fire, without the consent of the fire department official in command.

Fire Police are in place to keep both the general public and emergency personnel safe. Please assist your local fire company personnel by cooperating with their duly appointed officers so Everyone Comes Home.

Peggy Shively

Fire Police Captain

Alfred Station Fire Company