Mangano, Local Fire Departments Announce Second Annual “Recruit NY” Weekend to Help Increase Number of Volunteer Firefighters

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today joined firefighters from across Nassau County to announce a statewide effort to increase volunteer firefighter numbers in New York State. Recruit NY has made its way to Long Island in hopes of recruiting and retaining members during the Recruit NY Weekend, which will be held on Saturday, April 21st and Sunday, April 22nd.

During RecruitNY weekend, fire departments will conduct tours of their firehouse and fire apparatus, allow visitors to try on turnout gear, and provide visitor activities and stations throughout the firehouse. Members will discuss the requirements to be a volunteer, as well as conduct demonstrations, answer questions, and let visitors know how to join their fire department.

“Volunteer firefighters protect our homes and communities twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Nassau County’s Bravest are our friends and neighbors, and they take pride in helping our communities whenever and wherever support is needed,” said County Executive Mangano. “Now more than ever, they need our help so they can continue to protect the residents of Nassau County. I encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter to visit their local firehouse during the Recruit NY weekend and sign up.”

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.

“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.”

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.php to 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 in RecruitNY, visit www.recruitny.org or contact your local fire department via a non-emergency phone number or its website.