As part of the annual RecruitNY statewide initiative, Eaton’s Neck Fire Department will open its doors to area residents so they can learn about what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter in their community.
The past several years have been challenging for volunteer fire departments across New York State, as many are struggling with decreased membership and increased call volume. Like most volunteer fire departments, the Eaton’s Neck Fire Department needs to bolster its ranks so it can continue to provide the optimum and necessary level of protection for its residents.
As part of RecruitNY, on Sunday, April 25 between 10 a.m. and noon, the Eaton’s Neck Fire Department will join volunteer fire departments across New York at their respective firehouses for a unified recruitment drive. Not only will RecruitNY be an opportunity to highlight the rewards and responsibilities that come with being a volunteer firefighter, it will also raise public awareness about the need for volunteers.
The Eaton’s Neck Fire Department will conduct tours of the station and 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.
Last year, more than 600 fire departments across the state held recruitment open houses. FASNY is planning for an even higher turnout this year.
Over the years, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) has worked exceptionally hard to build and deploy a multi-tiered plan for helping New York state’s 1,700-plus volunteer fire departments recruit thousands of new volunteer firefighters across the state by utilizing federal SAFER grant funds for programs including the “Fire in You” advertising campaign, FASNY HELP college tuition reimbursement program and recruitment training classes.
Established in 2011, RecruitNY is a joint undertaking of 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.
For area residents looking for more information, contact the Eaton’s Neck Fire Department via email at info@eatonsneckfd.org or social media profile.