New York Sounds the Alarm for Volunteer Firefighters

FASNY kicks off statewide recruitment weekend in Owego

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:39pm

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Fire department officials and local volunteers in Owego, New York kicked off a statewide recruitment effort for volunteer firefighters on Tuesday, ahead of RecruitNY Weekend on April 18-19. The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) emphasized the importance and need for volunteer firefighters, as departments across the state have seen a 32% drop in volunteer numbers over the years. RecruitNY Weekend will see about 300 fire stations across New York open their doors to introduce the community to firefighting and highlight the camaraderie and community service aspects of volunteering.

Why it matters

Volunteer firefighters play a critical role in keeping New York communities safe, providing an estimated $4 billion in savings for residents. However, departments across the state have faced challenges in recruitment, with volunteer numbers dropping by about 32% over the years. This statewide recruitment effort aims to reverse that trend and ensure fire departments have the personnel they need to respond to emergencies.

The details

The RecruitNY Weekend kickoff event was held at the Owego Fire Department on North Avenue, with FASNY President Eugene Perry Jr. and local fire officials in attendance. Perry noted that there are currently about 80,000 volunteer firefighters in New York, and that replacing them would cost the state $4.7 billion. During the event, fire departments across the state, including in Owego, Apalachin, Campville, and Spencer, announced plans to hold open houses and demonstrations on April 18-19 to introduce the community to firefighting and recruit new volunteers.

  • The RecruitNY Weekend kickoff event was held on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
  • RecruitNY Weekend will take place on April 18-19, 2026, with fire departments across New York State opening their doors to the public.

The players

Eugene Perry Jr.

President of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY).

Mike Hopkins

Deputy Fire Chief of the Owego Fire Department.

Rob Brady

Firefighter from Endwell Fire Department and President of the Broome County Firefighters' Association.

Dave Ritz

Firefighter from the Apalachin Fire Department, with 36 years of service.

Kaleb Ellis

Volunteer firefighter for the Owego Fire Department since 2015-2016.

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What they’re saying

“We do so much more than fires.”

— Rob Brady, Firefighter, Endwell Fire Department; President, Broome County Firefighters' Association

“My service is generational.”

— Kaleb Ellis, Volunteer Firefighter, Owego Fire Department

“If you drive a truck, we need you; if you have financial skills, we need you.”

— Patrick Gavin, President, Central New York Firefighters Association; Member, Owego Fire Department Co. #3

What’s next

Fire departments across New York State will hold open houses and recruitment events on April 18-19 as part of RecruitNY Weekend, aiming to attract new volunteer firefighters to their ranks.

The takeaway

This statewide recruitment effort highlights the critical role that volunteer firefighters play in keeping New York communities safe and the challenges departments face in maintaining adequate staffing levels. By opening their doors to the public and showcasing the camaraderie and community service aspects of firefighting, RecruitNY Weekend aims to inspire more residents to step up and volunteer their time to protect their neighborhoods.