Firefighter Try Outs for Volunteers

TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) – Fire Departments across the state opened their doors for anyone who think they have what it takes to “try out” Saturday morning.

The Tonawanda Hose Company is just one of many departments looking for a few good recruits.

Lt. Michael Messana, “Today were just doing a recruit NY. We opened up to the community trying to get more volunteers into our division.”

They’re not just looking for volunteer firemen, they need fire police and volunteers for the rehab unit.

“You don’t necessarily have to run into a burning building to be a volunteer. There are so many different aspects here. And it really doesn’t take that much time,” said Captain Frank Corbett.

There is a big initial commitment to get fully trained to go out on calls. “We try to target people at least 19-years of age, someone who has the willingness and the time to go through the training. because the first year you become a firefighter, there is a great deal of training involved. It involves a commitment above what a volunteer agency would,” said Corbett.

It’s a dangerous job for no pay, but the Tonawanda Fire Department also has a paid division and the volunteers said they often back them up.

The Recruit NY event continues at the Tonawanda Fire Department Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon.