Saladino & Volunteer Firefighters Announce Recruitment Drive
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilwoman Vicki Walsh and Tax Receiver Jeff Pravato joined with officials from the Nassau County Fire Marshall’s Office and members of the North Massapequa Fire Department to announce a volunteer firefighter recruitment drive underway this weekend throughout New York State. On April 18th and 19th, fire departments will conduct tours of their firehouses and fire apparatus, allow visitors to try on turnout gear and provide visitor activities and stations throughout the firehouse. All are encouraged to attend and find out additional information at their local fire department locations.
“The men and women of our fire service are heroes in our communities, and Long Island’s bravest need our help with finding new recruits” said Supervisor Saladino. “These individuals are not just firefighters. They are our neighbors, our friends, and Long Island’s first line of defense. While most of us are asleep, they’re on call. While we’re with our families, they’re ready to leave theirs at a moment’s notice. When the alarm sounds, they don’t ask, ‘why me?’ They say ‘send me.’”
The weekend of April 18-19, volunteer fire departments across the state will open their doors to allow for residents to learn about what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter in their community, as part of a state-wide recruitment program Recruit NY. The state-wide volunteer fire service has 10,000 fewer members today than it did a decade ago. Over the past several years, statewide fire departments have experienced difficulties in recruiting and retaining volunteers for a variety of reasons. Volunteer fire departments need to bolster their emergency responder numbers, so they can continue to provide the optimum level of protection for their residents. To help further increase recruitment throughout the county, County Executive Blakeman formed the website nassausbravest.com, which outlines requirements and benefits to volunteering in fire service.
“You don’t need to be a hero to start – but you’ll become one when you do,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Today’s volunteer firefighters are responding to more complex emergencies than ever before, and they need the next generation to step up. And while there are real benefits, such as tax breaks, tuition assistance and incentives, the greatest reward is earning the trust and gratitude of your community.”
For a full list of participating departments, or more information on the recruitment drive and benefits to joining your local fire service, visit www.recruitny.org or nassausbravest.com.