NYS seeking new volunteer firefighter recruits

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – Fire departments across New York State are opening their doors to the public in search of new volunteer firefighters.

Fire officials said 80 to 90 percent of fires across the state are fought by volunteers, and they said they need new recruits. The fifth annual Recruit NY campaign kicked off on Thursday to encourage people to learn more about what it takes to become a volunteer.

This weekend, volunteer departments will open their doors to show you what it takes to become a volunteer.

“If you don’t have the time to be the firefighter on the hose line putting out the fire, we can find a lot of other things for you to do,” John D’Alessandro with FASNY said.

D’Alessandro is the volunteer programs coordinator for the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, which runs the Recruit NY campaign. He said there are many different roles that need to be filled, so anyone can stop by their local department to try on turnout gear and learn what they do.

“There is nothing greater – satisfaction wise – to see or feel than to actually help someone that is in need,” volunteer firefighter Jeffrey Goyer said.

Goyer is a volunteer at the Halfmoon Fire Department.

“You are looking at maybe five or six hours a week that you are spending at the fire department,” he said.

Goyer makes the time to volunteer despite having a busy schedule that includes nursing school and working as a surgical technician at Albany Medical Center.

“Cause you never know until you try,” he said. “And you could be that person helping out your neighbor or maybe even your own family member one day.”

To find out if your local volunteer fire department is participating this weekend, give them a call or visit recruitny.org.