Ways to Help The Shortage of Volunteer Firefighters and EMS Workers

This is a problem that's been growing for years and it affects us all in one way or another. It's a local, state, and national problem that hits us in our own backyard. There aren't enough people for our volunteer fire departments.

My father is a volunteer firefighter and I know it's one of the things that he is most proud of. Many times, when I'm driving around by my house, I'll see a sign at the Chenango Bridge Fire Company Station 1 at 17 Kattelville Road, asking for volunteers.

Every year, at the end of April, there would be a Volunteer Firefighters Open House Weekend throughout the state called "RecruitNY"  It was a chance for our local fire companies to open up their station houses and we could see how to make a difference by volunteering there.

The 2020 pandemic changed everything and put the kibosh on that event. By the way, save the date for the 2021 RecruitNY event. The fire departments will be hosting virtual or traditional Open House on  April 24th and 25th

There's also a shortage of EMS workers around New York State. Candor emergency services is facing a problem and they hope you can help. They used to use volunteers to help take care of the community. Now, they have to pay a driver and medic to keep them fully staffed.

They are running low on funds and have started a GoFundMe for Candor's Emergency Squad. They are hoping to raise $250,00 while they try to keep things going until at least September.