Becoming A Volunteer Firefighter Is More Important Than Ever

I grew up in rural areas of Western New York. Areas that were protected by volunteer fire companies. I had relatives who volunteered and were available for every call that came in. Their service was and is priceless.

Can you imagine how bad it would be if communities who rely on volunteer fire companies had to go without because of lack of volunteers? Response time from the nearest fire company could mean the difference between putting out a fire quickly to total destruction and maybe injury or worse, lost of life.

That's why it's important we need to do whatever we can to keep our volunteer fire companies alive. The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York represents about 110,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel, and this weekend - April 24th and 25th, is Recruit Weekend in New York State.

Because of Covid-19, some fire companies will host a virtual open house to show and recruit new volunteers. Others will open their doors to the public.

Hundreds of volunteer fire departments across New York will be participating in RecruitNY. "We invite all New Yorkers to attend an open house and safely experience what it means to be a volunteer firefighter,” said FASNY President John Farrell. “After the year we have been through, RecruitNY weekend can provide people with the opportunity to interact with the responders who are dedicated to protecting them."

For those who will be open to the public, it's a way to learn all about being a volunteer firefighter. You'll be able to take a tour of the firehouse, see demonstrations such as firefighting techniques and even try on turnout gear.

Visit the RecruitNY website to find out what fire companies are participating this weekend.

via RecruitNY