HFFD Joining State-Wide Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment Effort

by Bea Peterson
“Volunteers serve from three to five years, most times,” said Hoosick Falls Fire Chief Robert Bornt. “Then others serve for a lifetime.” Bornt is a life member of the Hoosick Falls Fire Department. Many of the members currently serving are life members – and they aren’t getting any younger. The problem is recruiting new members of any age to be firefighters. [private]As part of National Volunteer Week (April 15-21), the Firemen’s Association of the State of NY (FASNY) is participating in a statewide volunteer firefighter recruitment initiative. Hoosick Falls is supporting this initiative by hosting an Open House at the firehouse on Griffin Avenue on April 21 from 11 am to 4 pm. The Open House is an opportunity for the public to meet firefighters and learn about the duties and rewards that come with being a volunteer. Hoosick Falls members will conduct tours of the fire station and apparatus as well as give visitors the opportunity to try on the protective equipment (turnout gear) worn by firefighters.  Members will also discuss the requirements to become a volunteer, answer any questions and let visitors know how to get involved in the Fire Department. For instance, there are incentives for high school and college students who volunteer. There is also a small retirement incentive offered by the Department, in conjunction with many other Departments.
At the Open House various activities and demonstrations will be held. In addition, hot dogs, hamburgers and other refreshments will be provided while they last.
The HFFD, along with many volunteer departments, desperately needs active personnel in order to provide an optimum level of protection for its residents. “Come on out and join us for this unique recruitment day at our firehouse. This is a great opportunity for our friends and neighbors to observe the exciting tasks of a firefighter. Our current members love what they do, and they are always willing to help their neighbors in need. We hope our recruitment day will inspire other area residents to join our fire service family,” said Bornt.
Recruit NY is an opportunity to raise public awareness about the need for volunteers. The hope is that a collaborative effort made among volunteer fire departments statewide will turn the declining number of volunteer firefighters around. Individuals interested in volunteering should not be discouraged by age, gender or skill set. The fire service is not limited to interior firefighters; there is always a need for other roles to be filled, such as support personnel, drivers, fire police and auxiliary.
Volunteer firefighters are committed to mitigating hazardous situations, protecting lives and preserving property. They gladly accept the risks and challenges of the fire service simply for the satisfaction of helping others. Volunteers live in the communities in which they serve, enhancing response times and saving taxpayers millions of dollars each and every year.
For more information on the Hoosick Falls Fire Department open house, visit www.hoosickfallsfiredepartment.org or send an email to chief@hoosickfallsfiredepartment.org. For more information on the Recruit NY campaign, visit www.recruitny.org or contact your local fire department.[/private]