A local volunteer fire department is stepping up recruitment efforts this month, underscoring a broader statewide shortage that has raised concerns about emergency response capacity.
The Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department will host an open house on Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., inviting residents to learn more about volunteering and explore opportunities to serve.
The event, held at the department’s station on State Route 5 in the Town of Canandaigua, comes during National Volunteer Month and is aimed at attracting new members across a range of roles, including firefighting, emergency response, and support positions.
Local officials say no prior experience is required, emphasizing that training is provided and that volunteers play a critical role in maintaining public safety in the community.
The push reflects a growing challenge across New York, where volunteer fire departments have seen declining membership levels for years. Fire service leaders have warned that staffing shortages are already impacting operations in some areas, with fewer available responders and increasing pressure on existing crews.
In many rural and suburban communities, volunteer firefighters make up the backbone of emergency response. Officials say recruiting new members is essential to ensuring departments can continue to respond quickly and effectively when emergencies happen.
The upcoming open house is designed to give residents a firsthand look at the department’s operations, meet current volunteers, and ask questions about what’s involved in joining.
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