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 Chief Bobby Halton (Ret.), Fire Engineering Magazine Editor in Chief For the past 91 years, firefighters from FASNY have participated in the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) International as instructors, attendees, volunteers, exhibitors and keynote speakers. FDIC had, for many years, traveled from state to state. For the past…
Read moreBy Dr. Karlie Moore, Fit for Duty Consulting Losing weight can be really hard, especially for firefighters. With all the misinformation and nutrition myths out there, it’s no wonder people are confused. Here are three big mistakes I’ve observed throughout my work helping thousands of firefighters to lose weight. Mistake…
Read moreBy Steve Grogan, Lynbrook Fire Department In 1976, the Lynbrook Fire Department on Long Island organized the first Emerald Society in the volunteer fire service in the country. In its first year, the membership quickly climbed to 75 members. Although most of the firefighters were of Irish heritage, some were…
Read moreBy David Glenn, FASNY Recruitment and Retention Committee On the last weekend in April each year, fire departments across New York State open their doors to the community and invite in anyone who might be interested joining their ranks. Firefighters work hard to show all the benefits of volunteering to…
Read moreBy Kelli LaPage, MS, ATC, LAH, FASNY Health and Wellness Committee A new year is upon us and with all of its promises for a new beginning comes a time of reflection for many of us, and a desire to start anew in 2018. Every year, millions of people ring…
Read moreBy Chief Patrick J. Kenny Ever hear a firefighter complain about the new generation in regard to the lack of volunteerism and “family” concept? Too busy being by themselves in cubicles with their electronic devices? “I remember the good old days when we would go off-duty and leave to go…
Read moreKelli LaPage, MS, ATC, FASNY Health and Wellness Committee Back in August, I was honored to be a part of the FASNY Convention as a member of the Health and Wellness Committee. I always look forward to these events as an opportunity to catch up with members and this year…
Read moreBy Ed Butler, FASNY Recruitment And Retention Committee Retention – “the continued possession, use or control of something” or, in the case of the fire service: “someone.” Nowadays it’s no longer the challenge of getting new members into a fire department. Rather, it seems more of a challenge to keep…
Read moreBy Charlie Sharon, FASNY Recruitment and Retention Committee Recruitment and retention: We all have heard these words. The first thoughts are of what will be done to recruit new members. Much time and resources are being spent to achieve this goal. But once we get the person in, what is…
Read moreBy Lyle Holland, FASNY Recruitment and Retention Committee With the new school year starting soon, it’s time to think about your junior firefighter program or maybe even starting one. From my own personal experience, it’s much easier to get into the schools at the beginning of their year to inquire…
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