A major shakeup is unfolding at the Monsey Fire Department after the Monsey Fire District announced plans to end its longstanding relationship with Brewer Fire Engine Company No. 1 and transition fire protection services to a new organization, Monsey Fire Rescue Company.

The decision, announced Tuesday, October 20, has sparked controversy, with a public petition now circulating in support of the longtime volunteer fire company and raising concerns about the potential financial impact on local taxpayers.

Brewer Fire Engine Company has served the Monsey community for more than 145 years, operating as a volunteer organization whose members respond to fires and other emergencies throughout the area.

In an official letter dated October 20, the Monsey Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners explained that differences between the district and Brewer's leadership had become increasingly apparent in recent months.

According to the commissioners, discussions between the two sides revealed disagreements over their respective roles, responsibilities, and priorities for the future of fire protection services.

While the board acknowledged that disagreements are natural in an organization with such a long history, it said recent circumstances led commissioners to conclude that establishing a new fire company would be the most constructive path forward.

The district announced that Monsey Fire Rescue Company would operate under its policies, procedures, and established command structure, with the goal of strengthening coordination, accountability, and emergency response operations.

Despite the organizational changes, commissioners emphasized that emergency services would continue without interruption, saying that response arrangements, personnel resources, and operational procedures have already been established to support the transition.

In a separate letter dated Friday, October 23, obtained by Rockland Daily, the newly formed Monsey Fire Rescue Company reached out directly to members of Brewer Fire Engine Company, inviting them to transfer to the new organization.

The letter explains that a streamlined application process is currently available for experienced firefighters who wish to join, allowing them to transition more easily into the new company.

However, beginning in November, applicants will be required to undergo a more comprehensive application process.

Interested Brewer members were instructed to contact the new company by Monday, October 26, at 10:00 a.m., ahead of a company meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 27.

Meanwhile, opposition to the restructuring has begun emerging publicly, with a petition launched on Change.org calling for continued support of Brewer Fire Engine Company and questioning the financial implications of the district's plans.

The petition, titled "Keep Monsey Fire Taxes Down, Support Our Dedicated Volunteers," argues that the community has long benefited from the dedication of volunteer firefighters who respond to emergencies without receiving regular salaries.

Its organizers claim that the Monsey Fire District has increased its proposed 2027 budget by approximately $1.6 million in connection with plans to introduce paid firefighting personnel. However, the approved budget for 2027 is increasingly by only $80,000. 

The petition questions whether the additional spending is necessary and warns that a paid staffing model could create ongoing salary, benefit, and other personnel expenses for taxpayers.

The petition also argues that Brewer's existing volunteers remain willing to serve and should be allowed to continue their work.

The specific disagreements that led to the breakdown between the commissioners and Brewer's leadership have not been publicly detailed, and Brewer's official position on the proposed transition has not yet been independently confirmed.

Amid the ongoing developments, the Monsey Fire District has announced a public hearing for Thursday, November 5, at 8:00 a.m., giving residents an opportunity to weigh in on proposed changes to fire protection services.

According to an official notice issued by the Board of Fire Commissioners, the hearing will address proposed arrangements and contractual services involving supplemental fire protection, emergency response readiness, professional staffing support, and other public safety services.

The proposals include a potential one-year agreement with an outside service provider, although the notice does not identify the provider or specify the financial terms of the arrangement.

The hearing will take place at the Monsey Fire District offices, located at 381 Route 306 in Wesley Hills.

Rockland Daily will continue following the situation as additional details emerge.