It’s a sweet deal.
For the Maynard Fire Department.
And for the three college students who, in exchange for free housing at the firehouse, offer their services as firefighters and emergency medical technicians.
It’s something other volunteer departments might want to consider, especially at a time when recruiting new members can be challenging.
The Maynard arrangement has been in place since last August. The three young men are students at State University of New York Polytechnic Institute in Marcy and came with experience — all volunteered as firefighters in their home towns.
In exchange for their services, including some required on-call shifts, the three stay in one dormitory-style room at the firehouse, where they are able to use the department kitchen and other facilities. When they’re not in class, they are likely to be here studying, sleeping or relaxing.