“Local fire departments across the state are opening their doors this weekend in hopes of recruiting new members.
“Some of our members are aging,” said firefighter Arnold Briscoe of the East Glenville Fire Department. “It’s harder and harder to get members. Both parents have to work. It’s a lot busier times.”
At Station 2 in Rotterdam, only about half of the active members are qualified to enter a burning building to fight a fire. They’re holding a series of events Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in hopes of attracting young, able-bodied volunteers to help bolster their ranks.
“Numbers are down,” said Second Assistant Chief Kevin Thomas. “You need those people to come answer the call. Communities need help.”
Although the work is demanding and comes without any pay, volunteer firefighters said it’s worth it.”
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Moore, Kathleen. Schenectady Gazette 24 April 2013.