VIDEO: There is a big need for firefighters all across New York State, and on Tuesday, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) launched this year’s push to recruit more members.
With call volume up, and the number of volunteer firefighters statewide just two-thirds of what it was twenty years ago, the call is now out to recruit volunteers.
“We will take anybody. The only thing that you need to have is a drive to better yourself or your community. We will give you those life-saving skills that you need to serve your community,” said Lt. David Morales, Getzville Fire Company Public Information Officer and FASNY PR Board Member.
“You need no experience. The training and equipment are provided, but what you get out of it is also lifelong friendships, memorable experiences with your fellow brother and sister firefighters, and a sense of pride helping your community unlike anything else you will ever do,” said Roger Brennan, Erie County Volunteer Firemen’s Association.
Fire departments all over Western New York are opening their doors this weekend, so you can get a taste of what helping your community is all about. Nearly 90% of fire departments in the state are volunteer-based.
“We all look out for each other. We look out for each other’s well-being, both outside of a emergency situation, something’s going on on the home front, we check in on each other. It’s a big brotherhood and sisterhood,” said Andy Pilecki, FASNY Board Member.
“You can’t pay somebody for the amount of time that they give up for the fire service. But with that, you get self-gratification, you get camaraderie, friendship, leadership skills, paid training, scholarships towards education. Some departments have retirement programs in place,” said Alex Doll, Erie County Emergency Services.
There are also plenty of full time fire departments looking for firefighters to join their ranks as well. You need to take a civil service exam to see if you can become a career firefighter.
There are open houses scheduled this weekend. You can also go to each fire department’s website to see if they’re recruiting volunteers or to find out what the qualifications are at departments that aren’t volunteer.
