The Old Forge Fire Department will join fire departments across the state in hosting a Recruitment Open House on Sunday, April 27 to help increase awareness of their need for volunteers.
According to Old Forge Fire Chief Charlie Bogardus, his department is suffering from the same dwindling numbers of volunteers as being experienced by departments both locally and statewide.
“We are in dire need of new recruits in all aspects of the department, from fire and EMS personnel, to drivers, junior firefighters and even the ladies auxiliary,” Bogardus said.
During the RecruitNY Open House, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to tour the fire house while department members demonstrate apparatus and gear. Fire personnel will also be available to discuss the requirements to be a volunteer, training programs, as well as answer questions regarding the many aspects of involvement with the fire department. Refreshments will be served during the event.
“Aside from being personally rewarding, there are other benefits and incentives to being a firefighter. For example, there are a number of career and scholarship opportunities available to junior firefighters. Also, the department has recently adopted a Length of Service Award Program,” Bogardus said.
LOSAP programs are pension-like programs intended to help recruit and retain volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance squad members. Volunteers are financially rewarded based upon the number of years they serve.
Bogardus encourages anyone who has been thinking about becoming a volunteer to stop by and learn about the many ways they can assist with keeping their community safe.
Any prospective volunteer unable to attend the Open House can contact Bogardus at any time for more information at (315) 369-5031.
Established in 2011, RecruitNY is a joint undertaking by the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC), 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.
For fire departments that would like to sign up for RecruitNY, simply log on to recruitny.org/opendoors.php and fill out the participation form. The program provides fire departments with access to recruitment resources, communication tools, posters, banners, etc.