Welcome to The Volunteer Firefighter™, the official magazine of FASNY.
FASNY’s publication strives to bring topical, educational and entertaining information to the volunteer emergency service decision-makers and volunteers throughout New York State. It offers feature articles and columns directly relating to the emergency services, as well as editorial content, training and education opportunities, legislation, fire prevention and life safety articles, and real-life experiences. Read the most recent news and insights below.
During the week of July 20, juniors and Explorers from 13 different fire companies came together for the newly formed “Camp Fahrenheit 516.” The camp was designed to give these kids first-hand experience. The camp program was designed by the Nassau County Junior Firefighter Association (NCJFA) Board of Directors,…
Read moreBy Michael Capoziello The “real bad stuff” will sooner or later happen to your department. It’s part of the business, don’t take it personally … but be prepared. Whether we are talking about a severe motor vehicle accident, multi-alarm fire, mass casualty event or some other adverse controversy off the…
Read moreBy William Greenwood, NFPA 1041 Fire Instructor III and Owner of FETC Services I started out as a volunteer firefighter and have worked extensively with various volunteer and paid fire departments throughout New England. Over my 23 years in the fire service, I’ve noticed we all have some sort of…
Read moreBy Dennis L. Rubin with Bruce H. Varner, Training Day Presenters On March 13, 2001, two Norfolk, Virginia, firefighters were struck by a car while they were working at the scene of an automobile fire on Interstate 64. This is an account of the real-life “emotional roller coaster ride” that…
Read moreBy Thomas A. Merrill, Training Day Presenter Many times in discussions with the public, I am asked whether I am a professional firefighter or a volunteer firefighter. I take exception to that, and politely explain to them that there are paid firefighters and there are volunteer firefighters, but all firefighters,…
Read moreBy Elizabeth Briand, Director of State Relations for the American Red Cross in New York State In 2014, the American Red Cross helped more people affected by home fires than all other types of disasters combined. In New York State, volunteers in more than 600 cities and towns responded at…
Read moreFASNY Museum of Firefighting Executive Director Jamie Smith Quinn recently received a Museum Association of New York (MANY) Award of Merit for Individual Achievement. The not for profit MANY provides resources, training and expertise to New York’s heritage organizations and museums to strengthen their capacity and help them better serve…
Read moreBy Chief Patrick J. Kenny, Director of Fire and EMS, Village of Western Springs, Illinois When we talk about firefighter wellness, there always seems to be the debate as to what constitutes health? I sometimes struggle with Safety and Health Week, as I do with Fire Prevention Week, as to…
Read moreBy Michael P. Capoziello Sometimes … as hard as it may be for us to understand, there are incidents that occur when we fail despite how good a crew we may have had on the first due rigs. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how hard you may have trained and prepared…
Read moreBy Daryl Buornat, Fire Prevention and Life Safety Committee Member In January, the FASNY Fire Prevention and Life Safety Committee met in Albany to discuss, draft and implement plans specifically for what our committee and FASNY can do for the fire departments across New York State. The first objective will…
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