Here’s How To Become A Local Volunteer Firefighter

What do you want to be when you grow up? How many times did you hear that question when you were a kid? Or when filling out those endless surveys in school about your future plans. My only future plan was to get out of school and back home at the end of the day as quickly as possible.

I did end up choosing one of the choices (radio personality) as a career during my final years of secondary schooling. Other careers I had an interest in were becoming an architect, working in law enforcement, or becoming a firefighter.

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I have to applaud those who chose law enforcement or firefighting. Those two careers are rewarding choices for many reasons. For those of you who had an interest in becoming a firefighter, but chose another career, you can still fulfill that desire as a local volunteer firefighter.

The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) has announced the 13th annual Recruit New York campaign. On Saturday and Sunday, April 23rd and 24th, volunteer fire departments from across the state will participate in an open house with hopes of finding new members.

Over the past few years, the number of volunteer firefighters across New York State has decreased. Currently, there are over 85,000 volunteer firefighters in New York. You can visit the participating fire departments either in person or virtually.

"Departments will have many activities planned including conducting tours of their facilities, demonstrating firefighting techniques, and having visitors try on turnout gear. These types of activities give visitors a taste of what it means to be in the fire service. Volunteer firefighters will also be on hand to discuss the requirements and rewards of joining. All are welcome and encouraged to attend, including families with children." - FASNY

To find out if your local fire department is participating in the open house visit the FASNY website for details.

via Firefighters Association of the State of New York