Lack of Local Volunteer Firefighters Putting Hudson Valley at Risk?

Some local fire departments are struggling to find volunteers to help keep our communities safe.

According to a report in the Daily Freeman, the number of volunteer firefighters in New York State dropped from 110,000 in 1990 to around 84,000 by 2010. While the number of firefighters has dropped, the national average of fire calls has actually doubled over the past two decades.

Recently, the number of volunteers has started to rebound, but not nearly to the levels they once were. Some blame people's busy lifestyles and others point to the economy, where most families can't afford the time away from work needed to volunteer.

Departments like the one in Hughsonville are working hard at recruiting new members.  On Saturday, April 25 there will be an open house at the station on Old Hopewell Road in Wappingers. From 9am to 3pm officials will offer tours of the station that allow visitors to see what really goes on in the firehouse, try on firefighter gear, and receive information about becoming a volunteer. Child safety seat checks, fire safety lessons and other activities for kids are aimed at attracting families who's parents might be interested in volunteering.

Many other fire departments in our area will also be holding recruiting events this week. A $4.2 million federal grant is helping the RecruitNY program to get even more people involved. The Fireman’s Association of the State of New York just released figures today that show an increase of 12,665 volunteers between 2011 and 2012. That's certainly more than there were in 2010, but still not nearly enough.

If you'd like more information on volunteering, The RecruitNY website has a full list of fire departments and who to contact for every community in the Hudson Valley.