December 29, 2025
The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) today announced $576,401 in funding has been awarded to strengthen recruitment and retention rates for fire companies, departments, municipalities, emergency medical service organizations and supporting nonprofits that are comprised of at least 50 percent volunteers. This funding, provided by the State of New York through DHSES, is being awarded to 31 entities across the State through the Recruitment and Retention Grant Program.
“The volunteer fire service has a strong tradition in New York, with tens of thousands of brave men and women putting their lives on the line to protect their neighbors and the places they call home,” said New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray. “This funding will play a critical role in helping local departments grow their ranks to ensure their beloved communities are protected from the threat of fire and any number of other dangers.”
State Fire Administrator James Cable said, “The greatest resource of any volunteer fire or EMS agency is its members. The projects funded by this grant program will support the retention of trained and experienced personnel while promoting recruitment efforts for new members to allow these organizations to continue to protect the communities they serve as effectively and as safely as possible.”
Across the State, volunteer fire and emergency medical agencies are struggling to recruit new members, as well as maintain their current staffing levels. This statewide crisis directly impacts the safety of all communities. This program will assist in ensuring that these agencies within New York State are able to enhance their recruitment and retention efforts so that these volunteer agencies are adequately staffed and able to serve their communities.
Allowable costs for this program include leadership training and development courses, public outreach and special events, explorer programs and other career-based educational programs, marketing and advertising, health and wellness initiatives, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Awardees:
Organization | Award Amount |
| Alexandria Bay Joint Fire District | $18,500 |
| Belgium Cold Springs Fire District | $25,000 |
| Blooming Grove Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc. | $7,246 |
| Brockport Fire District | $19,629 |
| Cambria Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. | $20,280 |
| Champlain Fire District | $20,000 |
| Cortlandville Fire District | $24,473 |
| Eastchester Volunteer Ambulance Corps LLC | $14,421 |
| Elsmere Fire District | $19,165 |
| Enfield Fire District | $25,000 |
| Erie County | $25,000 |
| Farmington Volunteer Fire Association | $25,000 |
| Firefighter's Association of the State of New York | $25,000 |
| Hatzolah EMS, Inc. | $6,000 |
| Highland Falls, Village of | $3,159 |
| Holland Fire Department | $16,250 |
| Jeffersonville Fire District | $23,444 |
| Jonesville Fire Department | $25,000 |
| Kauneonga Lake Fire District | $8,000 |
| Long Beach, City of | $7,000 |
| Onondaga Fire Co, Inc. | $25,000 |
| Port Jervis, City of | $25,000 |
| Rhinecliff Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. | $25,000 |
| Speculator, Village of | $21,100 |
| Spencerport Fire District | $24,710 |
| Stony Point Fire District | $25,000 |
| Sullivan County | $25,000 |
| Tarrytown, Village of | $1,789 |
| West Carthage Volunteer Fire Department | $6,160 |
| West Corners Fire District | $15,075 |
| Wyoming County Emergency Services | $25,000 |
About the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control
The Office of Fire Prevention and Control delivers a wide range of services to firefighters, emergency responders, state and local government agencies, public and private colleges, and the citizens of New York. The office advances public safety through firefighter training, education, fire prevention, investigative, special operations, and technical rescue programs. The delivery of these essential services enables the office to make significant contributions to the safety of all of New York State.
About the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism, natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the DHSES Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on X, or visit dhses.ny.gov.
Get real time emergency and weather alert texts delivered directly to your phone. Text your county or borough of residence to 333111 to enroll now. Learn more at dhses.ny.gov/emergency-alerts.
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