Recently, the Town of Babylon hosted the first of many RecruitNY events that will happen across the state. Members from the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY), along with fire service officials from Suffolk County and County Legislators highlighted the weekend in which volunteer fire departments across New York State open their doors to residents with the goal to increase membership. Fire department membership has suffered in recent years due to a variety of factors.
“We are looking forward to our 13th annual RecruitNY campaign which will be held in person this year across the state with hundreds of departments participating, including right here on Long Island,” said FASNY 2nd Vice President Gene Perry. “We want to invite all New Yorkers to attend an open house next weekend, and experience what it means to be a volunteer firefighter. RecruitNY weekend opens the opportunity for the community to interact with the first responders right in their neighborhoods who are dedicated to protecting them.”
On Saturday, April 23rd, and Sunday, April 24th as part of the 13th annual RecruitNY weekend, departments from across the state will invite the community to come in and get a firsthand look at what it takes to be a firefighter. This year, the campaign returns during the 150th Anniversary of FASNY.
“The fire and EMS service has endured tremendous changes in recent years, particularly in a rapidly increasing call volume coupled with difficulties in recruitment and retention of volunteers.” said Presiding Officer of the Suffolk County Legislature Kevin McCaffrey. “Virtually all of Suffolk County and its more than 1.5 million residents are protected by volunteer fire departments and ambulance companies. The RecruitNY campaign is a fantastic resource and opportunity for fire and EMS agencies to engage their communities and spur interest in volunteerism. Having served on the Fire Council in the Village of Lindenhurst for many years, in addition to being the father, son, and brother of first responders, I am proud to be a part of this initiative that serves to establish the next generation of first responders.”
The association has worked hard throughout its history to develop and implement events to assist New York’s 1,700-plus volunteer fire departments to recruit new volunteers. This includes utilizing federal SAFER grant funds for programs such as the “Fire in You” outreach campaign, the FASNY HELP college tuition reimbursement program, and recruitment training classes.
“Our volunteer firefighters are the backbone of our community and help keep us safe in many ways other than just putting out fires,” said Suffolk County Legislature Minority Leader Jason Richberg. “The pandemic has created challenges in recruiting new members, and the RecruitNY program aims to close that gap and give our fire departments resources to help their recruitment and training efforts by opening their firehouses so the public can get a first-hand look at what really goes into being a volunteer firefighter. I am proud to support this incredibly important program. Thank you to FASNY and everyone working to assist our fire departments and keep our residents safe.”
During RecruitNY weekend, volunteer firefighters will conduct tours of their facilities, demonstrate firefighting techniques, and allow visitors to 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.
“As a proud four-decade Deer Park volunteer firefighter, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges facing our departments, including, over the past several years, decreased membership and increased call volume, “ said Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly, a retired FDNY Lieutenant. “While we have been able to meet these challenges, even during the past pandemic, the need to maintain and bolster the ranks is critical to providing optimum and necessary levels of safety for our residents. Protecting your own community as a fire department member is an extremely rewarding experience and I encourage our neighbors to volunteer.”
“As a New York City Firefighter and a volunteer firefighter, I have come to realize that my role is more than responding to a fire emergency, but to educate the residents of our communities on the importance of fire service and its essential role in keeping those communities safe,” said Town of Babylon Councilman Terence McSweeney. “Member enrollment for volunteer firefighter departments is down, while call volumes for fire, safety and EMS are up. This FASNY program is here to demonstrate the need for more volunteers so fire departments across New York State may continue to efficiently provide this service to the community.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic many firehouses across New York State chose to organize a virtual open house or conduct other digital outreach to attract new volunteers. In 2019, more than 600 fire departments across the state held recruitment open houses. This year there will be nearly 460 fire departments participating.
“Between medical emergencies and COVID-19 calls to flooded basements, downed power lines, automobile accidents, and of course for fires – big and small– there is a real need for more volunteers,” remarked Perry. “We hope to have a successful RecruitNY weekend here on Long Island, but also across the state. Therefore we are here to kick off FASNY’s 13th Annual RecruitNY campaign.”
RecruitNY is made possible by the continuing support and generosity of Lincoln Financial Group (LFG). In 2012, LFG announced the introduction of a new National LOSAP HEROPLUSSM Program. A first of its kind, Length of Service Award Program, which was designed for individual Fire and Emergency Services departments to help recruit, retain, and reward dedicated volunteers with a program that will help boost their retirement readiness. “The everyday heroes of every community – this is for them”, said Bruce Linger, LFG,CRN-4449623-030222. “Thank you for all you do!”
Individuals looking to find out if their fire department is participating in RecruitNY, visit www.recruitny.org/participation-area. For more information, contact your local volunteer fire department via a non-emergency phone number or its website.
