Modified: April 20, 2015 12:32pm
Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz (center, at podium) joins local and state fire officials at the kickoff for the 5th annual “RecruitNY” volunteer firefighter recruitment effort. Open House Weekend takes place April 25-26 and features volunteer fire companies across Erie County and NYS opening their doors to residents for tours, demonstrations, and to provide opportunities for residents to find out more about the requirements and benefits of being a volunteer firefighter.
Poloncarz Joins Local, State Fire Officials to Kick Off 5th Annual “RecruitNY” campaign
ERIE COUNTY, NY— Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined by Erie County Commissioner of Emergency Services Dan Neaverth, Jr., President of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (“FASNY”) Robert McConville, and volunteer firefighters from local districts at the Erie County Training and Operations Center in Cheektowaga to kick off the fifth annual “RecruitNY” campaign with a call for new volunteer firefighters to join the ranks of those already serving their communities across Erie County.
“Volunteerism in the service of one’s community is a noble calling and one that can positively impact the lives of countless others. Our neighborhoods and the larger community are made stronger and safer when committed individuals come forward to serve others, and I thank the many thousands of individuals who have done so over the years,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Today we are sending out the call for more people to join the ranks of volunteers serving our community as firefighters. There are many opportunities to explore and numerous ways to lend a hand, so I encourage anyone thinking of joining to check out the Open House Weekend to find out more.”
The RecruitNY Open House Weekend will take place on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26 and will feature volunteer fire departments across Erie County and NYS opening their doors to residents as part of the recruitment effort. Fire departments will conduct tours, spotlight their fire apparatus, allow visitors to try on firefighter gear, and take part in activities. So far, 23 fire departments in Erie County are taking part in the Open House Weekend activities, with demonstrations planned and ample opportunities for residents to find out more about the requirements and benefits of being a volunteer firefighter.
“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.”
The first annual “RecruitNY” Open House Weekend was held in 2011, with fire departments in over 50 counties from across New York state participating. RecruitNY is coordinated by FASNY along with the NYS Association of Fire Chiefs (“NYSAFC”), the Association of Fire Districts of NYS, the Volunteer Fire Police Association of the State of NY, and the County Fire Coordinators Association of NYS.
Erie County Commissioner of Emergency Services Dan Neaverth, Jr. added, “There are many ways that interested individuals can help out their communities by volunteering, and Open House Weekend is a great way to find out more. Volunteers are the backbone of what we do and have a tremendous impact on both the safety and the well-being of their communities, so all are welcome at this event.”
Erie County residents interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities at their local fire departments, or interested in finding fire departments participating in Open House Weekend activities, should visit iVolunteerFIRE.org or VolunteerNY.org .
A sub-set of the county’s overall recruitment effort serves to connect veterans with the volunteer fire service through SoldierFirefighter.com, recognizing the common values, needs and benefits of those who have served their country in the armed forces – and those who serve their community in the volunteer fire service.
To learn more about becoming an Erie County Volunteer Firefighter visit iVolunteerFIRE.org or call the recruitment hotline at (716)-601-3021.
For more information:
On the Erie County Department of Emergency Services, visit: http://www2.erie.gov/emergencyservices/
On SoldierFirefighter, visit: http://www.SoldierFirefighter.com
On the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, visit: www.fasny.com.