In firehouses across New York, the gear will be on display, the hoses rolled out, and the doors wide open as hundreds of departments participate in a statewide volunteer firefighter recruitment drive April 26–27.
The initiative, known as RecruitNY, is now in its 16th year and organized by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY). The annual event invites residents to step inside their local fire stations to explore what it means—and what it takes—to join the ranks of volunteer emergency responders.
From live demonstrations and gear try-ons to candid conversations with active firefighters, the weekend is designed to demystify the role and urgency of volunteer firefighting, which remains the backbone of fire protection in most of New York State.
New York currently counts roughly 80,000 volunteer firefighters. That number has dropped by nearly one-third over the past two decades, even as call volumes—driven by a rise in medical emergencies and extreme weather—have grown. The need for new recruits is acute, particularly as New York continues to rank among the states with the highest number of civilian fire deaths.
FASNY points to recent polling that offers hope: nearly half of New Yorkers surveyed in 2024 said they were interested in volunteering, with two-thirds willing to visit their local firehouse for more information. A striking 98% agreed that volunteer fire and emergency services are vital to public safety.
RecruitNY gives departments a rare opportunity to tap that interest with face-to-face engagement. Organizers hope the effort not only increases signups but also deepens public understanding of how fire departments operate—and why their future depends on new volunteers.
To find a participating department or learn more, visit recruitny.org
Fire departments interested in registering for the campaign can sign up at recruitny.org/register-for-recruitny-2025
