RecruitNY, a major initiative of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), is rapidly approaching. On April 28 and 29, firehouses across the state will open their doors to the public in an effort to increase membership in the volunteer fire service.
Members of the public will be able to get a taste of what it means to be a volunteer firefighter. Across New York State, volunteer firefighters will be conducting firehouse tours, demonstrating firefighting techniques, and more, all to generate interest and appreciation for what members of the fire service do on a regular basis. Anyone interested in the possibility of joining the fire service will have the opportunity to speak with active volunteers, who can discuss what being a member of the fire service entails.
Volunteer fire departments not only answer emergency calls, but they often serve as the backbones of local communities, hosting popular events such as parades and pancake breakfasts, and providing common space for people to gather. The volunteer fire service’s economic impact is also substantial.
In 2016, FASNY released an economic impact report, which concluded that the annual cost of a replacement, all-paid fire service would be $3.87 billion. Furthermore, property taxes in New York State would rise by an estimated average of 26.5 percent. These figures do not factor in the costs of acquiring the necessary facilities and equipment needed to accommodate a paid fire service.
For area residents looking to find if their local fire department is participating in RecruitNY, visit www.recruitny.org/participation-area or for more information, contact your local fire department via a non-emergency phone number or visit www.recruitny.org.
For fire departments that would like to sign up for RecruitNY, visit www.recruitny.org/signup and fill out the participation form.
The program provides fire departments with access to recruitment resources, communication tools, posters, banners, and more. Visit www.recruitny.org/resources.php to help plan a RecruitNY event.
