Reber, NY, Fire Department Gets Year Reprieve to Recruit Members

WILLSBORO — The Willsboro- Reber Board of Fire District Commissioners voted on Monday to allow the Reber Fire Department to continue operating, provided it has at least six certified volunteers by June 1, 2027.

At the March 9 board meeting, the WRFD voted to close the Reber Fire Station as of June 1, 2026. According to what was presented, it was a combination of Reber residents being unaware of the situation and a lack of communication by the WRFD. Residents claimed they first became aware of the situation March 31.

On April 13, about 50 residents filled the Willsboro Volunteer Firehouse, voicing their disapproval for the proposed closing of Willsboro Station 2, also known as the Reber Volunteer Fire Company, which has been in existence for 72 years.

At that time, the WRFD Board indicated they would take the information provided and would make a decision to be rendered at its May meeting.

The tone of the May meeting, in which about 40 interested parties attended, was less contentious than the previous gathering.

WRFD Board Chair Bob Provost presented a resolution to rescind the March 9 dictum. The board concurred, and discussion ensued as to what would be required for the RVFC to continue operation.

“It is sad we came to this point. It was not a decision we wanted. The lack of manpower and training caused us to do this,” Provost said of the March resolution.

“Part of this was due to communication. We are all one,” Willsboro Fire Chief John Cross admitted.

He volunteered to send the criteria needed for training to every prospective member of the RVFC.

It was pointed out that the RVFC now has 15 applicants to fill the membership. However, it was brought out that at the end of the year, some may not finish the requirements due to personal reasons or realizing the amount of training to become certified.

Provost indicated liability insurance for the fire district requires training, which includes health and awareness of cancer, which could be caused by hazardous materials. Members need to have sufficient yearly training.

For the most part, training could be attained through computer courses. This includes the subjects of sexual harassment, bullying, hazmat and bloodborne pathogens.

Though many training requirements can be accomplished online, applicants can also receive it at the Willsboro fire station.

Another obligation is to obtain an annual physical during the month of September. If the physical is not taken at that time, the applicant has to wait until the following September.

Cross said he will evaluate the training quarterly and notify applicants as to what still needed to be accomplished.

“Let’s see if we can make this better. We’re not bullies on the board. Let’s see if we can build it back together,” Provost said.

The board then voted on the new proposal with three members approving and one, Becky Provost, who felt not enough specific information was presented, abstained.

A discussion also ensued as to ownership of the property where the station is located, as well as the liability it entails. This will be investigated and a subsequent lease will be signed by all concerned parties.

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