Hundreds of New York volunteer fire departments to host open houses, demonstrations

Nearly 400 fire departments across New York State plan to host open houses next weekend as part of the seventh annual RecruitNY weekend, an initiative to attract more volunteer firefighters.

More than 40 fire departments will be hosting open houses in Onondaga, Cayuga, Madison and Oswego counties, according to Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY).

On April 29 and 30, volunteer firefighters will hold tours of their facilities, demonstrate firefighting techniques, and allow visitors to try on turnout gear, according to the firefighters’ association.

The activities give visitors a taste of what it means to be in a volunteer firefighter, the group said.

“Joining the volunteer fire service has been the most rewarding experience of my life, and I know I am not alone in saying that,” said FASNY President Ken Pienkowski. “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,” he said.

Established in 2011, RecruitNY is a joint undertaking by the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC), Association of Fire Districts of New York State, Volunteer Fire Police Association of the State of New York, and County Fire Coordinators Association of the State of New York.

For area residents looking to find if your fire department is participating in RecruitNY, visit www.recruitny.org/participation-area/ or for more information, contact your local fire department via a non-emergency phone number or its website or visit www.recruitny.org.