BOVINA - Local fire departments are always seeking ways to bring in new volunteers to support their communities. In April, the largest recruitment event of the year, RecruitNY, is scheduled, and firefighters open their facilities across the state. This year’s initiative, developed by the Firefighters’ Association of the State of New York (FASNY), is planned for April 18th and 19th.
Most Delaware County fire departments are staffed entirely by volunteers. FASNY records a 32% decline in the number of volunteer firefighters from 1998 to 2021.
Local Delaware County departments participating on April 18th this year include Bovina, Andes, and the joint department of Walton and Trout Creek.
Bovina Fire and EMS Station at 36 Maple Ave will be open from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. for visitors to learn about joining the team. The Andes department, at 5259 Tremperskill Road, is open from noon until 4 p.m. Trout Creek Volunteer Fire Company at 61 West Street, Walton, will be open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Visitors can learn how to assist the department and see equipment demonstrations, including Jaws of Life, EMS mock calls, CPR, and more.
“If your local community is not participating and you would like information on volunteering, please feel free to stop by any open house in the area, and we can connect you with someone in your hometown department,” said Bovina Chief Kevin Brown.
Brown explained that volunteers can earn a $750 stipend after completing the Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations course, and an additional $1,250 stipend for the Interior Firefighting Operations class. Volunteers also have the opportunity to receive a 10% property tax credit.
The Bovina department has a junior program for prospective firefighters starting at age 14. Junior fighters can begin training with local state instructors at age 16.
“We welcome anybody to stop by the station on April 18th to look over our equipment and see how you can assist your community,” said Brown, “We will have our current equipment on display as well as some of our great historical apparatus and personal protective gear on display.”
The department was founded in 1915 by J.W. Coulter Hose Company and the Bovina Center Hook and Ladder Company, he explained. “We still have the original hand-drawn apparatus that was used by our founding members, and it will be out on display,” Brown said with excitement.
For more information on the RecruitNY initiative, visit RecruitNY.org.
