Coming Up: Nanuet FD Open House For Recruit NY

Volunteer fire departments across New York State will open their doors and fire truck bays to local residents as part of the second statewide volunteer firefighter recruitment effort called RecruitNY. 

To coincide with National Volunteer Week, the is holding its recruitment drive with an open house on Sunday, April 22 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Visitors will be able to listen to current members talk about the duties and rewards that come with being a volunteer firefighter.

Residents age 16 and older, male or female, can become a volunteer firefighter in their community.

“This is a great opportunity for our neighbors to observe the exciting tasks of a firefighter,” said Chief AJ Knapp. “Our current members love what they do; they are everyday heroes who help neighbors in need. We hope our recruitment day will inspire other area residents to join our fire service family.” 

The Nanuet Fire Department is one of three departments in the county participating in RecruitNY.

Over the last several years, it has been very tough for many fire departments throughout New York State to recruit and retain volunteers for a variety of reasons. Like most volunteer fire departments, the Nanuet Fire Department needs to bolster its emergency responder numbers, so it can continue to provide the optimum level of protection for its residents. Now more than ever, they need more of their neighbors joining their fire department, according a press release from the Nanuet Fire Department.

“Last year, fire departments in more than 50 counties across the state participated in the first annual RecruitNY weekend, and we expect even more counties to get involved this year,” said David Jacobowitz, president of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY). “Over the last several years, it has been tough for many fire departments to recruit and retain volunteers for many reasons, including the turbulent economy. RecruitNY is an important initiative to help bolster membership numbers so that fire departments can continue to provide the optimum level of protection to their residents.”

About RecruitNY

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 fire departments that would like to sign up for RecruitNY, simply log on to http://recruitny.org/opendoors.php and fill out the participation form. The program provides fire departments with access to recruitment resources, communication tools, posters, banners, etc. via http://recruitny.org/resources.phpto help a firehouse hold a recruitment open house.

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