Volunteer firefighters kick off major recruitment campaign
The Firefighters Association of New York kicked off its annual recruiting campaign in Albany on Wednesday morning.
Fire departments from around the region and across the state are holding a special recruitment drive this weekend.
The Firefighters Association of the State of New York is kicking off the 14th annual statewide “Recruit NY” campaign to get people to become volunteer firefighters.
Many departments are holding open houses this weekend.
FASNY Secretary John D’Alessandro told NewsChannel 13 that while they are happy to get out and recruit, they are also a bit frustrated that they have to do this every year.
The ranks of volunteer firefighters have dwindled from 120,000 in the early 2000s. That number has dwindled to 75,000 to 80,000.
New York state announced earlier this month they would provide a training stipend for volunteer firefighters.