by Bea Peterson
Imagine your house was on fire and there were no volunteer firefighters to put out the flames and the fire spread throughout the neighborhood. Imagine you were in an accident, trapped in your car and there were no volunteer firefighters with the Jaws of Life to get you out of that car. In many places, including Hoosick Falls, it is getting more difficult to recruit volunteers for the Fire Department and the nearby Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad all the time. Volunteers make a gigantic difference. What would happen if the Town and/or Village had to have paid Rescue and Fire personnel? What would taxes be then?
[private]It is not easy being a volunteer. There is extensive training, time away from the family and a response to calls on Sundays, holidays and in the middle of the night. It takes commitment. It takes a love of community and an overwhelming desire to help others. It’s something to consider.
April 26 is a busy day in Hoosick Falls. The Hoosick Falls Kiwanis Club is holding an Autism Walk at 9 am, followed by events at the Armory. The Town of Hoosick Youth Baseball, Softball and Soccer groups will have their annual parade from Wood Park at 11 am. Meanwhile, the Hoosick Falls Fire Department on Griffin Avenue will be hosting an Open House from 9 am to 2 pm.
The HFFD is participating in the Recruit NY campaign, a statewide volunteer firefighter recruitment initiative. Volunteer fire departments have found it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain new members, and the result is severe deficiencies in the number of emergency responders. Along with many volunteer departments, the Hoosick Falls Fire Department desperately needs active personnel in order to provide an optimum level of protection for its residents.
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 worn by firefighters (turnout gear). 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.
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