Long Island, NY - April 8th, 2015 -  Volunteer fire departments across New York State will open their doors and fire truck bays to local residents during the weekend of Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26 as part of the fifth annual RecruitNY statewide volunteer firefighter recruitment effort. RecruitNY is a major initiative designed to help increase volunteer membership in local fire departments. Fire department membership has suffered in recent years due to a variety of factors.

During the RecruitNY weekend, fire department volunteers will conduct tours of their facilities, demonstrate firefighting techniques, and allow visitors to try on turnout gear. Members will discuss the requirements and rewards that come with being a volunteer firefighter, and help interested visitors through the process of joining their local department.

“Last year, over 500 fire departments across the state participated in RecruitNY and we’re optimistic that turnout will be even better this year,” said Robert McConville, president of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY). “We encourage New Yorkers across the state to come down and visit their local volunteer fire departments on April 25th and 26th.  At the firehouse, they can learn all about becoming a member of a very special family – the volunteer fire service.”

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.

In addition to the annual RecruitNY campaign, FASNY is in the final year of a four year volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention program. This effort covers all of New York State and is made possible by a $4.2 million United States Department of Homeland Security Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant that began in 2011. To learn more about the “Fire In You” campaign, visit www.fireinyou.org.    

About FASNY
Founded in 1872, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) represents the interests of the more than 92,200 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York State.  For more information, visit www.fasny.com.