The call is out for firefighter and rescue volunteers.
Some local volunteer fire and rescue departments will open their station doors this weekend in a statewide effort to find help.
RecruitNY is in its second year to find volunteers statewide, and the weekend was planned to coincide with National Volunteer Week, April 15 to 21, a media release from the Firemen's Association of the State of New York said.
At open houses, residents may visit fire-truck bays and speak with members about the duties and rewards of volunteering as a firefighter, emergency medical technician or other roles.
The need for volunteers continues to grow, from clerical assistance to apparatus operators and firefighters, a media release from the Otsego County Office of Emergency Services said Thursday.
As part of the event, the Otsego County 911 Center will conduct a countywide group siren test of all fire stations at 10 a.m. Saturday.
According to www.recruitny.org as of Thursday, area departments holding open houses this weekend include:
--In Chenango County on Saturday, Plymouth Fire Department; and the Afton Fire Department at 15 Spring St;
--In Delaware County on Sunday, the Hobart Fire Department on Cornell Ave and the Walton Fire Department at 59-63 West St.
--In Otsego County on Saturday and Sunday, Laurens Fire Department at 34 Main St. and the West Oneonta Fire Department at 2865 County Highway 8.
On Saturday in Otsego County, Hartwick Fire Department and Hartwick Seminary Fire Department at 4877 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, Westford Fire Department on county Highway 34, and the Worcester Hose Co. at 36 Church St.
On Sunday in Otsego County, the Pittsfield Fire Department at 167 State Highway 80 in New Berlin.
--In Schoharie County on Saturday, the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Rescue at 207 Creamery St. and the Sharon Springs Fire Department at 137 Beechwood Road; and Sunday, the Cobleskill Fire Department, 610 East Main St.; and the Gallupville Volunteer Fire Department at 130 School St.
"Over the last several years, it has been tough for many fire departments to recruit and retain volunteers for many reasons, including the turbulent economy," David Jacobowitz, FASNY president, said in the release. "RecruitNY is an important initiative to help bolster membership numbers so that fire departments can continue to provide the optimum level of protection to their residents."
Established last year, RecruitNY is a joint undertaking by FASNY, the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, the 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.
Copyright 2012 - The Daily Star, Oneonta, N.Y.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
