In 1999 with a roster of 7 members the YHFD entered the F.A.S.Team business becoming the 3^rd F.A.S.Team in Westchester County. FAST is short for Firefighter Assist and Search Team is a group of firefighters that have special training in the rescue of trapped, injured, missing, or disoriented firefighters from any structural fire or other hazardous condition . After countless hours of specialized training the team went into operation utilizing Rescue 16 (1989 International/Saulsbury Heavy Rescue) and a Ford pick up that was being used as Car 2532’s Chief vehicle at the time to hold the equipment and respond to calls. As the teams roster increased so did the demand for them. It became apparent that a new vehicle was needed to properly support the team. In 2002 the current F.A.S.Team vehicle was placed in service; Engine 270 (2002 KME Rescue Pumper) also unofficially known as “Squad” 270 due to its similarities to FDNY Squad Co. 270  because of its ability to fulfill multiple roles. Rescue 16 serves as a secondary vehicle if Engine 270 is out of service. To this day the team has continued to grow with a roster of approximately 30 hand picked firefighters. Members of this elite team are typically the most veteran and experienced firefighters in the department that Volunteer to take the numerous classes necessary to even qualify for a spot on the team. This group of aggressive, motivated, dedicated, and well trained firefighters stands ever ready for any task assigned to them. The YHFD F.A.S.Team most commonly responds mutual aid to Lake Mohegan, Somers, Millwood, Croton, Bedford Hills Peekskill, Mt. Kisco, Ossining, and Katohah; but has responded to Bedford Village, South Salem, Briarcliff Manor, Tarrytown as well as Mahopac Falls and Putnam Valley in Putman County for assistance just to name a few.

 

The team will not participate in firefighting operations unless their duties are passed to another team already on the scene. The duties of the team include but are not limited to- create points of egress and escape for firefighter rescue using multiple methods, develop a rescue plan for a missing, lost, trapped firefighter, using rope and confined space rescue techniques, move a firefighter in distress up or down a stairwell, up or down through a hole in the floor or roof, moving a downed firefighter out of a window, and lower a firefighter down a ladder. All of these operations may be conducted in dangerous and possibly high risk situations.