Do Your Part

This weekend, April 22 and 23, many firehouses in New York State will open their doors for an event, “RecruitNY,” sponsored by the Firefighters Association of New York. For the 14th year, the two-day open house will encourage more men and women to join the ranks of volunteer fire companies.

FANY says there are 20,000 fewer volunteers statewide than are needed, and the pandemic created new challenges for volunteer companies — more calls, and fewer people to answer them. That’s certainly been the case in this region, which saw a significant boost in population as people sought refuge here from COVID-19.

But, certainly, the hectic nature of modern life, and the economic challenges that come along with it, have made volunteer commitments difficult. And that’s created a crisis in some departments, which struggle to pull together volunteer crews to respond to accidents, fires and other emergencies.

There really is no greater gesture of civic duty than agreeing to run with a volunteer fire or ambulance company, providing help to neighbors in their time of greatest need. It’s a source of great pride for the departments, and for the communities they serve. There’s fellowship, of course, and other benefits for the volunteers, but nothing beats the good feeling of knowing you’re one of the real heroes who has answered the call.

This weekend, take note of the fire departments that are reaching out, and look for future outreach efforts. Visit the firehouse, talk with the men and women there. Bring your children along, and make sure they understand what sets these neighbors apart.

And maybe, just maybe, give some thought to signing up as a volunteer. You’re needed more than you realize.