Fire departments going all out for RecruitNY weekend

Chicken in Bergen, beef in Byron, hot dogs in Fancher and an ice cream social in Bethany.
That’s just a few things available in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties this weekend as nearly two dozen volunteer fire departments are conducting open houses as part of the seventh annual RecruitNY campaign.
The goal is not to feed people but to increase membership, of course.
“We’re looking for volunteers for any aspect of the departments,” said William Schutt, deputy coordinator for Genesee County Emergency Services. “Especially in the skilled positions such as interior firefighting and EMTs. We’re looking for people willing to do more.”
Departments, regardless of their size, always need new members, Schutt said.
That’s true in Bergen, where numbers have actually risen during the past few years.
Department President Eric Wies attributes that, in part, because of the death of longtime volunteer Barry Miller.
Miller was serving as an EMT and was killed on his way to an emergency call in Riga in September 2015.
“We’ve had an increase in the number of members and it’s because of the loss of Barry Miller,” he said. “That spurred a lot of people to come back who may have quit and inspired people to volunteer.”
The department also has a strong explorer’s post, recruiting young members. The department has about 70 active members.
Chief Garrett Dean said five people have joined this year alone.
Bergen is teaming with Byron Volunteer Fire Department this weekend. Both departments will be in Bergen on Saturday and in Byron on Sunday.
Wies said that no matter what the numbers are, his department and others are “absolutely” always looking to secure new volunteers.
“Many join to go out on calls and others are willing to just take care of the business and administrative side,” he said. “We have others who are willing to help setting up events.”
Statewide, nearly 450 departments have organized open houses this weekend, said Ken Pienkowski, president of Firemen’s Association of State of New York.
“Joining the volunteer fire service has been the most rewarding experience of my life, and I know I am not alone in saying that,” Pienkowski said. “Hundreds of volunteer fire departments across New York will be participating in RecruitNY, and we invite all New Yorkers to visit with their local firehouses. Visitors may be surprised to find their very own neighbors and friends already serving in the fire department, and just may be inspired to join them in protecting the community.”
The following departments are scheduled to have open houses:
GENESEE COUNTY
– Bergen Fire Department, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Chicken barbecues are $10 each and can be reserved by calling 943-6080. Events include vehicle extrication, interior firefighting, EMS skills, National Guard and Genesee County Sheriff’s Department.
– Byron, 10 to 3:30 Sunday with beef on weck for $10 available at the event.
– Bethany from 10 to 3 Saturday and from 11 to 2 Sunday.
– Darien is from 10 to 1 Saturday.
– East Pembroke, 9 to noon Sunday.
– Elba, Sunday.
– Stafford, 9 to 1 Saturday.
– Town of Batavia, 10 to 4 Saturday.
ORLEANS
– Barre, 11 to 3 Sunday.
– Fancher-Hulberton-Murray, 11 to 4 Sunday.
– Carlton, 11 to 2 Sunday.
WYOMING
All departments will be having open houses.
For a complete list of times and activities, go to www.recruitny.org/participation-area/