FASNY's RecruitNY Campaign Kicks off in Erie County

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FIRE OFFICIALS UNITE IN CALL FOR
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT

 

FASNY, Local and State Fire Officials Kick Off 6th Annual “RecruitNY” campaign in Erie County

 

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Today, Erie County Emergency Services Commissioner Dan Neaverth, Jr. represented County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz in joining with Getzville Senior Captain/Recruiter Daric Will, President of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (“FASNY”) Robert McConville, and local volunteer firefighters at the Getzville Volunteer Fire Company to kick off the sixth annual “RecruitNY” campaign with a call for new volunteer firefighters to join the ranks of those already serving their communities across Erie County. 

“Volunteer firefighters are on the front lines of community protection and serve the public in many ways. They may be the first on the scene when accidents happen or the first there to help when disaster strikes,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “These men and women are the backbone of effective community response, and I encourage anyone who’s thinking of joining their ranks to take some time on RecruitNY Open House Weekend, visit their neighborhood firehouse, and see what volunteer activities might be a good fit for them. There are many ways to serve the community and volunteers of all types and skill sets are needed.”

The RecruitNY Open House Weekend will take place on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24 and will feature volunteer fire departments across Erie County and New York opening their doors to residents as part of the recruitment effort.  Twenty-seven different volunteer fire departments and emergency squads 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 or EMS provider. 

“As we kick-off the sixth annual RecruitNY campaign, we urge all Erie County residents to stop by your local fire department this weekend to learn how you can help your community,” said Robert McConville, President of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY). “Throughout the weekend, fire department volunteers will conduct tours of their facilities, demonstrate firefighting and live saving techniques, allow visitors to try on turnout gear, and provide other exciting activities to give visitors an inside look at how you can become part of the fire service.” 

“The partnership between FASNY and counties across the state has resulted in a critical stabilization of volunteer firefighter numbers.  Closer to home these recruitment and retention efforts have actually shown a tremendous reversal of declining numbers and for many departments significant staffing improvements.     I have said many times, the volunteer fire service has something for everyone.  Stop by one of the many fire department open houses this weekend, and make a difference in your community,” said Commissioner Neaverth.

As part of this annual campaign, Erie County is launching a new web site at iVolunteerEMS.org to specifically attract potential candidates interested in joining one of the county’s five volunteer emergency squads or the many volunteer fire departments that also provide emergency medical services.

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 residents interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities at their local fire departments should visit iVolunteerFIRE.org, iVolunteerEMS.org.

To find out if the firehouse in your neighborhood is participating in RecruitNY Open House Weekend activities, visit: http://www.recruitny.org/participation-area/#Erie

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, iVolunteerEMS.org or call the RecruitmentHQ 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 or FireInYou.org.

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