FISHKILL – The Chelsea Fire Company, comprised solely of volunteers, is the department that keeps Dutchess Stadium safe during every game that has a fireworks show, and does it at no charge to the Hudson Valley Renegades.
Fire Chief Ryan McCluskey told Mid-Hudson News that the 2022 Renegades season scheduled 23 fireworks events and one special event, Nitro Circus, that will have pyrotechnics. McCluskey’s volunteers and a fire engine stage behind the left field wall for each of the postgame fireworks show and do so to protect the attendees. “We volunteer a few hours at each show to assist in the event of an injury or fire. “We also inspect the surrounding wooded area next to the stadium after the fireworks to make sure embers don’t ignite a brush fire,” McCluskey said.
Hudson Valley Renegades President Steve Gliner and the organization appreciate the efforts of the department that does not charge for the service. “The Renegades have been fortunate to have a long-standing relationship with Chelsea Fire Company,” he said. “They have always been there for us to protect our fans and Dutchess Stadium during our fireworks displays and large stadium events.”
The Chelsea Fire Company has been providing special coverage for 28 years at the stadium and Gliner has developed relationships with many of the volunteers such as firefighter Jim Tompkins who has been involved since the stadium opened. “We very much enjoy the opportunity to work with Chief McCluskey and all of the amazing volunteers he has there -they are an incredible asset to our community,” Gliner noted.
“We are a 100 percent volunteer fire company and we provide this service to the stadium without billing for it. All we ask for is a donation from the team to help us stay operational,” McCluskey said. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that the cost of having a fire engine on a scene is approximately $225 per hour and each firefighter is worth at least $65 per hour.
The Chelsea Fire Company covers approximately eight square miles spread over portions of Fishkill and the Town of Wappinger along with the Hudson River. The district is primarily residential and includes several large apartment complexes, a nursing home, two assisted living facilities, Stony Kill Farm, a portion of I-84, and Dutchess Stadium. The volunteers respond to approximately 200 calls for service each year including fires, accidents, hazardous materials incidents, and medical emergencies.
