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.
By Daryl M. Buornat, FASNY Fire Prevention and Life Safety Committee Vice Chair First, let me start out wishing that this article is finding everyone doing well in these difficult and challenging times. By the time you are reading this article, the recent fire prevention grant applications will have been…
Read moreAs we wade through uncertain times as a country, there is no doubt that Americans and, more specifically New Yorkers, need help. Our communities need young firefighters now more than ever and that’s one of the reasons FASNY offers two key benefits to them and all volunteer firefighters looking for…
Read moreBy David Denniston, Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York Director Last year I had the opportunity to visit a neighboring fire department during the RecruitNY Weekend. The event was extremely impressive. The membership had come out in full force, had the equipment and station looking like…
Read moreBy Timothy C. Hannigan, FASNY Attorney New York’s volunteer firefighters are on the front lines of the State’s battle against Covid-19. While our hope is that you never have to use this information, what follows is an overview of current and pending benefits available to volunteer firefighters in connection with…
Read moreRecruitNY 2020 was set to be a record-breaking year as just about 600 departments had stepped up to host an open house with a month to go until the event. Like those hundreds of departments who we thank today, FASNY was looking forward to a spectacular 10th anniversary event. The…
Read moreBy Joseph R. Cea, Elsmere Fire Co. Sometimes a prospective firefighter walks in the door and the whole company just knows that they are there to stay. More often, in spite of our strong sense of duty, retention has barriers that must be overcome to keep that firefighter involved and,…
Read moreMost, if not all, volunteer fire departments have little or no involvement in code enforcement. To most volunteer fire Chiefs, code enforcement, plan review and fire inspections are the purview of the municipal building and/or codes department. With all of the other demands on fire departments, this arrangement is understandable,…
Read moreBy Tom Rinelli, West Sayville Fire Department In a time of declining membership among volunteer fire departments across the nation, the West Sayville Fire Department has had marked success with the recruitment and retention of new volunteer firefighters. Led by Chief Gary Savino, the West Sayville Fire Department serves a…
Read moreBy Michael P. Capoziello Winter’s coming. Just like the members of “House Stark,” one should always be prepared. With apologies to “Game of Thrones,” let’s discuss some winter thoughts to contemplate while responding and operating on the fireground during the coming winter months. POV Response Something seldom talked about but…
Read moreBy Shane M. Liebler, Senior Editor During some of the nation’s darkest hours on September 11, 2001, and in the days and weeks that followed, thousands responded to help. In the years that followed, many thousands have also become sick. There are numerous conditions linked to exposure, including 24 categories…
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