Fire Department mentors guide new recruits with steady support

Maximilian Pelletier joined the Shelter Island Fire Department in 2013 and credits veteran mentors—especially the late Andy Reeve—for guiding him; the department continues mentoring new recruits while volunteer ranks have declined both locally and across New York.

Maximilian Pelletier joined the Shelter Island Fire Department in November 2013 and later became its chief. He says veteran members took him under their wing during training and afterward, and he remembers Andy Reeve as particularly influential; Mr. Reeve died in April 2025. The department now pairs officers and newer trained members with recruits to help them learn skills and gain confidence. Volunteer staffing has declined over time locally and statewide, making recruitment a continuing focus. Key details: - Pelletier credits mentors John Mahoney, Phil Power, Anthony Reiter and Andy Reeve for hands-on teaching and encouragement during and after training. - Andy Reeve taught practical skills like driving and interior firefighting and emphasized persistence and personal growth. He passed away in April 2025. - Recruits train at the Suffolk County Fire Academy in Yaphank and are supported by an officer plus a newer member who has completed training. - Shelter Island volunteer numbers fell from about 173 in 1980 to roughly 65 today, with about 20 qualified interior firefighters remaining. - The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) reports a statewide decline of about 20,000 volunteer firefighters over the past decade. - The department’s reported benefits for volunteers include college tuition reimbursement, free equipment and training, property tax reductions in some cases, and participation in the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP); the article lists Fire District Secretary Michael Johnson with a contact phone number. Summary: Mentorship is described as central to how the Shelter Island Fire Department trains and supports recruits, and former mentees have risen into leadership roles. The department continues to pair experienced officers and trained members with new recruits and is actively seeking members. Long-term declines in volunteer staffing persist at local and state levels. Undetermined at this time.