Area fire companies hold RecruitNY

GREENE COUNTY — Now in its third year, RecruitNY is an annual event established by the Fireman’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), in which fire companies around the state hold an open house and perform demonstrations, conduct firehouse tours, provide fire safety educational materials, and generally work to engage the public to think about becoming volunteer firefighters.

It’s always a two-day event on a weekend, with some companies holding it on a Saturday and some on a Sunday.

This year April 27 and 28 were selected for RecruitNY, and in Greene County, five companies held it on Saturday, with one — Catskill Fire Company, on Central Avenue — to hold it on Sunday.

Those participating on Saturday were both D.H. Hamilton Steamer Company No. 2 and Company No. 3, in Coxsackie, Greenville Volunteer Fire Company, Hunter Fire Company No.1, and Lexington Fire Company.

One of the reasons for RecruitNY is that companies everywhere, while perhaps not yet quite shorthanded, are either working towards it or are on the brink.

In Coxsackie, D.H. Steamer Company No. 3 Captain Dave Van Duren said Saturday, “We can always use the help.”

“With the economy being what it is,” Van Duren explained, “people work longer hours — or two jobs — so it’s hard to get volunteers because people just don’t have the time as they used to.”

Up the road, at D.H. Hamilton Co. No. 2, Capt. Joseph Millet said the day has previously proven successful.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said Millett. “We try to do it every year.”

“In the past,” he said, “we’ve gotten a few new members out of it, so we’re hoping we get a few more today.”

Meanwhile, out at Greenville, Greenville Volunteer Fire Company Lt. Aaron Matthews said they, too, recognize the need for the day.

“Volunteers are in short supply and on demand,” Matthews said, adding that RecruitNY offers a “hands-on opportunity” for folks to learn more about the company and about providing firefighting service to the community, as well as the need for volunteers.

Up on the Mountaintop, Hunter Fire Company No. 1 Captain Anthony Figiel also said a lot of companies are experiencing diminished numbers.

“On the Mountaintop? — yes, absolutely,” Figiel said, and Lt. John Murphy agreed.

“Most volunteer departments are aging,” Murphy said. “The problem is getting young blood, especially ones that are willing to put in the hours and hours of training.”

“So,” added firefighter Gleason Truesdell, “we’re always looking to expand.”

Company member Liz Cahill is an assistant volunteer programs coordinator for FASNY, and as such is the Hudson Valley Region instructor for a program called “Train the Recruiter,” which helps fire companies with recruitment tips and retention of existing members.

Speaking of her fellow members — but noting it is obviously applicable to all fire companies — Cahill earlier noted, “Our current members love what they do.”

“They are everyday heroes,” she said, “who help neighbors in need.”

More of those everyday heroes were out in Lexington, where Lexington Fire Company Chief Paul Dwon said the need for volunteers is very real.

Dwon said companies across the state are not only having difficulty getting volunteer firefighters, but Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) as well.

“It’s not just small towns,” said Dwon. “It’s everyone, everywhere — volunteers in general.”

“Just like other fire companies, it’s the daytime,” he said. “Everyone works in the day time.”

Dwon said this is the second year the company has participated in RecruitNY.

“We’re hanging on, so far,” he said. “We’ve got about 31 members, and about 20 that are active.”

In addition to adult volunteers, many fire companies have a provision for Junior Members, who then become regular members at 18.

For information about becoming a volunteer firefighter, contact your local company and hear what they have to say — you and your community will be glad you did.