Volunteer fire departments in the North Country and around the state face continuing challenges recruiting new firefighters, and open houses at fire departments over the weekend of April 21 and 22 are hoping to spread the word and pull in new members.

Edwards Fire Chief Dale Barker says the program will be an opportunity to highlight the duties and rewards that come with being a volunteer firefighter, and help raise public awareness about the need for volunteers.

Those interested in attending the recruitment open house in their communities can check with their local fire department for the specific date and times.

Chief Barker, also a FASNY Assistant Volunteer Programs Coordinator, noted that over the last several years, it has been very tough for many fire departments in the North Country to recruit and retain volunteers for a variety of reasons. The hope is that a collaborative effort among volunteer fire departments statewide will turn the declining numbers of volunteer firefighters around.

“While some individual departments or counties have run successful recruitment programs in recent years, for the most part, our statewide numbers have been trending in the wrong direction for awhile,” said Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) President David Jacobowitz. “The volunteer fire service needs to bolster its emergency responder numbers, so it can continue to provide the optimum level of protection for the residents of New York -- and at a tremendous savings to the local taxpayer.”

During each volunteer fire department’s Recruit NY day, firefighters can conduct tours of the station and firefighter apparatus, allow visitors to try on turnout gear, and provide fire prevention education programs and other activities throughout the firehouse for visitors to participate in. The fire department will discuss the requirements to be a volunteer, as well as conduct demonstrations, answer questions, and let visitors know how to get involved in the fire department.

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York worked in conjunction with the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, 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 on the program.

Departments can find recruitment resources online at http://www.recruitny.org., The website features easily downloadable supporting materials for volunteer fire departments to use, including press releases, posters, tips for dealing with the media, and handy checklists to refer to in preparation for and during the event.

During last year’s recruitment weekend, 53 out of New York 62 counties participated.