Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) is reminding constituents about the annual RecruitNY weekend, happening this weekend, April 26 and 27. This is the weekend when local firehouses open their doors for potential recruits. Currently, there are around 80,000 active volunteer firefighting personnel, down 33% over the past two decades. Local volunteer firefighters save taxpayers $4.7 billion annually. This week is also the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) “Light Up NY Red” campaign, during which people are encouraged to light their homes with red lights to show support for firefighters in New York. Palmesano is encouraging all interested New Yorkers to attend the RecruitNY weekend and for everyone to light their homes red.

To see a list of departments hosting recruiting events, see the link here.

“Local volunteer firefighters and emergency workers are the backbone of rural communities, but unfortunately, over the past couple of decades, they have seen their numbers dwindle, with some stations even having to shut down. This is why the RecruitNY weekend is so important, we need to make people aware of the opportunities available to them in the firehouse. Being a firefighter takes a dedicated, selfless person with a passion for service to others. If you fit that description, I urge you to consider attending a local RecruitNY event this weekend, and if you are unable to join, just stop in and say thank you,” said Palmesano.