The 40 Thieves return

Call it a comeback. After a 14-year layoff, the Patchogue Fire Department’s Drill Team, the 40 Thieves, who have a rich and successful history, made their return to firematic competition this past Saturday at the Fireman’s Memorial Park in Ridge. The drill was won by the North Lindenhurst FD Piston Knockers Drill Team.

The 40 Thieves have not competed since September 2007, when thereafter, manpower and a perfect storm of other assorted issues led to the team going into hibernation. But over this past winter, PFD members Bill Champlin IV, Mike Pinkney and Tyler Grauer, among others, began the arduous process of obtaining donations, equipment, and getting the members of the department excited and interested to join up and get the team active once again. The crown jewel for the team was the purchase of a 1970 Chevrolet Class B Pumper to compete with, after the longtime 40 Thieves 1949 Ford Class B Pumper was retired after 2007.

After almost three months of practice, the team got to finally show their progress on Saturday. The 40 Thieves competed in five events, and although no points were scored, with the new truck and an influx of new members, the team has laid the foundation to become a success, just as teams from the ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s were. The Patchogue Fire Department is hoping that with the return of the drill team, it can be used as a positive recruitment tool for young people, or people of any age for that matter, who may want to join up and volunteer. If you feel you have what it takes to become part of the department and the drill team, call 631-207-9423 for further information.

The next drill the 40 Thieves plan to attend is the Suffolk County Drill in West Sayville on July 10. They will be competing in several more drills across Long Island over the summer and will be attending the New York State Championship Drill in Williamsville, N.Y., on Aug. 21. You can follow the 40 Thieves’ progress and schedule at nysdrillteams.com and look for the team’s page on Facebook.