Coming This Weekend: Your Chance to be a Hero

In communities like ours, neighbors are always willing to pitch in and help out during times of crisis.

Unfortunately, in recent years many communities across New York have seen a decline in the number of volunteers joining local fire departments and emergency squads.

With this in mind, many volunteer departments across the state are hosting open houses this weekend to help recruit new volunteers.

As part of an initiative called Recruit NY, these open houses will provide information about free training programs, responsibilities and what a typical day-in-the-life of a volunteer firefighter involves. You will also learn about some of the benefits you can receive from volunteering, like tax breaks offered by the state and some local communities.

Just visit the Recruit NY website to find an Open House at a volunteer fire department near you.

For generations, our community has had a long and proud tradition of volunteer firefighters -- courageous men and women who save lives and deliver care, comfort and support when tragedy strikes.

This weekend provides a great opportunity to become a part of this proud tradition.