Local #590
The Watervliet Fire Department is made up of 25 members, which includes a Fire Chief, 4 captains, 4 lieutenants, and 16 firefighters. The department operates under a four platoon system, each consisting of four firefighters, under the command of a captain and a lieutenant. The department offers an array of services including Fire Suppression and Control, Fire Prevention and Public Rela
tions, Fire Investigation, Hazardous Material Incident Response, Emergency Medical Service Response (EMT and Paramedic), Emergency Transportation, Natural Gas, Carbon Monoxide and Electrical Emergency Response, Emergency Rescue Response, Mutual Aid to Neighboring Communities, Non-Emergency Service for Public Assistance. The Watervliet Fire Department has been housed in The Chief Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on 2nd Avenue & 13th Street in the city since 1970. The Fire Department is National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliant. The Incident Command System (ICS) is a coordinated effort that brings together the major elements of an operation - specifically, command, operations, planning, and logistics under a unified command. The ICS is the backbone of Emergency Services response in the city of Watervliet. Emergency Medical certifications are held by all members of the firefighter staff. The EMS program is overseen by a medical doctor and Firefighter Tom Corcoran.
