NY volunteer fire departments recruiting new firefighters

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Many volunteer fire companies across New York are recruiting new members as part of a statewide campaign to keep their ranks filled.

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York says the fifth annual RecruitNY campaign last weekend included firehouse tours and demonstrations, information about requirements, and at some departments a chance to try on the gear.

A list of participating companies has been posted online at http://www.recruitny.org.

While the total of volunteer firefighters peaked at about 110,000 in 1990 in New York, the association says the number had dipped below 85,000 by 2010.