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JAMESTOWN – A statewide effort to recruit the next generation of firefighters is taking place this weekend.
The event, known as RecruitNY, includes many firehouses across Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties.
Last year’s event was called off due to the growing pandemic, which John D’Alessandro, the Secretary of New York’s Firemen’s Association, says created a drop in new recruits during time of increased call volume.
Through a combination of virtual and in-person open houses, volunteer fire departments are inviting the public to get a taste of what it means to be in the fire service.
“We hope that the virtual open house will catch people’s attention and ultimately drive them to physically go to the fire house, put their hands on the equipment, talk to people and ultimately fill out an application to be one of us,” said D’Alessandro.
In 2019, more than 600 fire departments across the state held recruitment open houses.
To find a list of local departments who will take part, visit recruitny.org/participants.
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