On April 27 volunteer fire departments across New York will open their truck bays and doors to local residents as part of the annual RecruitNY campaign to increase the number of volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel statewide. Started two years ago, RecruitNY is part of a coordinated effort to boost membership in volunteer fire departments.
As part of RecruitNY, the Stephentown Volunteer Fire Department will hold a recruitment drive at its fire station on Saturday, April 27, from 10 am to 2 pm. The event will allow the Fire Department a chance to highlight the duties and rewards that come with being a volunteer firefighter.
The Stephentown Department responds to all types of emergency situations including fires, vehicle accidents, Hazmat, rescue and emergency medical. Our volunteers serve in various capacities. Some members become Fire Police and control traffic during incidents; others assist with scene support and patient care while others are interior firefighters or Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) responding to illness and injuries of all sorts. There are many different opportunities to volunteer and training is provided.
Every member of the Stephentown Department is a volunteer. There are no paid members. Filling the ranks with volunteers keeps taxes low for the entire community.
Small towns have historically been community minded, with neighbor helping neighbor. Modern life puts a strain on that concept. Joining the fire department is an excellent way to integrate back into the community-family ideal.
For more information, visit www.recruitny.org or www.svfd1.org or contact Bob Adler at 733-5749.
A list of participating fire departments by county can be seen at http://www.recruitny.org/opendoors.php.