This April, Assemblyman Mike Norris will join Volunteer Fire Companies across New York State in promoting the RecruitNY program and weekend. On April 28 and 29, more than 300 departments across the state will open their doors to anyone who’s interested. And they’re looking to fill a variety of positions.

RecruitNY was designed to encourage and support fire services and increase the number of new volunteers and service members for local fire companies across the state. New recruitment is critical for volunteer fire companies and is the life blood of service and protection of our local communities.

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) provides information, education and training for the volunteer fire and emergency medical services throughout New York State. While volunteer fire companies experienced a number of years of declined volunteer enrollment, FASNY’s annual RecruitNY weekend has helped add more than 20,000 new recruits to the ranks of fire departments across the state.

“Especially in Erie, Niagara and Orleans Counties, our volunteer fire companies are critically important to our community in providing a range of emergency services beyond just fire rescue,” said Norris. “I am proud to continue to fight for the brave men and women that put themselves in harm’s way to keep our community safe. Last year we were able to pass A.711 and secure expanded cancer coverage under the Volunteer Firefighters' Benefit Law and I will continue to advocate for more efficient training options and greater safety tools to keep volunteers safe.”

“I strongly encourage everybody to attend a local open house during the RecruitNY weekend. It is critical that we continue to support the first responders who risk their safety and sacrifice their time in service to their communities.

Area residents looking to find a department to join can visit http://www.recruitny.org/participation-area/ or contact a local fire department via a non-emergency phone number or its website. For fire departments that would like to sign up for RecruitNY can visit www.recruitny.org/signup. The program provides fire departments with tools for recruitment.

As always, if I can ever be of assistance you, or you have any concerns regarding any state related matter, Please do not hesitate to contact me. My office is located at 8180 Main Street, Clarence, NY 14221 and I can be reached at 716-839-4690 or at Norrism@nyassembly.gov