NEW YORK STATE (WENY) -- The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) is gearing up for its 16th annual RecruitNY campaign, set to take place during the weekend of April 26-27, 2025. This statewide initiative invites the public to visit their local fire departments to learn more about the vital role of volunteer firefighters and explore opportunities to join their ranks.

RecruitNY, launched in 2011, was created by FASNY to address the ongoing decline in volunteer firefighter numbers across New York State. Over the years, the campaign has become a cornerstone of FASNY’s recruitment efforts, offering an engaging and hands-on way for the public to experience what it means to be a volunteer firefighter.

During the RecruitNY weekend, hundreds of fire departments across the state will open their doors to host tours, provide information sessions, and conduct live demonstrations of firefighting techniques. Visitors will have the chance to try on turnout gear, interact with current volunteer firefighters, and learn firsthand about the personal and community benefits of serving in this critical role.

“FASNY is proud to continue its tradition of opening doors to educate the public and showcase the importance and value of volunteer firefighting in the community,” said Gene Perry, President of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York. “Our hope is to inspire and encourage open house attendees to become part of a rewarding and honorable community service as a volunteer firefighter. I’ve seen every day the impact that our current volunteers have on their communities, as they selflessly serve. This impact can only continue to be felt if people sign up to join our ranks.”

The need for new volunteers is pressing. Currently, there are approximately 80,000 volunteer firefighters in New York State, a significant drop from more than two decades ago when there were roughly 40,000 more volunteers. At the same time, fire departments are facing increased call volumes, making recruitment efforts like RecruitNY more critical than ever.

Adding to the urgency, New York State remains one of the states with the highest number of civilian fire deaths. Volunteer firefighters play a crucial role in protecting their communities, and FASNY’s outreach aims to ensure that fire departments have the personnel needed to respond effectively to emergencies.

A 2024 survey conducted by FASNY revealed that nearly half (49%) of New Yorkers expressed interest in becoming a volunteer firefighter. Additionally, 66% of respondents said they would visit their local fire station to learn more about volunteering, while 55% indicated they would turn to online searches for information. An overwhelming 98% of respondents agreed that volunteer firefighters and emergency medical services are essential for the health and safety of their communities.

RecruitNY provides a unique opportunity to connect with potential volunteers in an engaging and informative way. By raising public awareness and showcasing the personal satisfaction that comes with being part of a volunteer fire department, FASNY hopes to inspire more individuals to step forward and serve.

For those interested in attending, a list of participating fire departments can be found at: www.recruitny.org/participants/

Visitors of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to attend and learn more about how they can make a difference in their communities.

Fire departments interested in joining the RecruitNY campaign can register at: https://www.recruitny.org/register-for-recruitny-2025/

RecruitNY continues to be a vital initiative in addressing the challenges faced by New York’s fire departments, ensuring that communities across the state remain safe and well-protected through the dedication of volunteer firefighters.