Johns Encourages The Community To Get Involved In Local Fire And Ambulance Departments

Legislative Column from Assemblyman Mark Johns (R,C-Webster)

April 13, 2012

I always have had a great deal of respect for the men and women in our community who choose service above self – and who do it as volunteers in our local fire and ambulance departments.

When you call 9-1-1 – a person in a firefighter or EMT uniform answers the call that can make the difference between life and death.

I’d like to take a moment to tell you about an opportunity to truly make a difference by volunteering in our community. The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) is sponsoring “RecruitNY,” a program designed to encourage citizens to visit, support and join their local volunteer fire departments. RecruitNY will highlight the duties and rewards that come with being a volunteer first responder, and help raise public awareness about the dire need for volunteers.

While volunteer numbers are on the decline – emergency calls are not. As fewer firefighters and first responders are available, the strain placed on these men and women increases.

Please take the opportunity to visit a fire station in the 135th Assembly District on April 21-22 to talk to these first responders and see how you can become a “Hometown Hero.” You can find participating locations online at www.recruitny.org/opendoors.php.

Here’s a list of the participating agencies in our community:

• Bushnell’s Basin Fire Association – 661 Kreag Road – April 21-22
• East Rochester Fire Department – 415 Main Street – April 22
• Penfield Fire Company – 1838 Penfield Road – April 21
• West Webster Fire Department – 1051 Gravel Road – April 21

Department members will gladly discuss what it takes to be a volunteer, answer questions and let visitors know how to get involved in firefighting. This is a great opportunity to meet and talk with volunteer firefighters and show them how appreciated they really are.

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