The Volunteer Fire Service
Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of public safety in communities across New York State. Every day, these dedicated individuals answer the call, protecting lives, homes, and neighborhoods with courage, skill, and compassion. Their commitment ensures that even the smallest towns and rural areas have access to life-saving emergency services.
Our volunteer firefighters do more than respond to fires, they’re first on the scene for medical emergencies, natural disasters, and community events, making a real difference where it matters most. Their service is vital to the well-being and resilience of our state.
If your fire service organization is having a difficult time recruiting new members or retaining current members, please explore the recruitment and retention resources on this page. There are many good programs that have worked across the country. The links below can assist in creating new and innovating ways to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters.
To learn more about the New York State Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention Task Force, view the full report here
New York Recruitment and Retention Programs
The Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) continuously works with New York State Education Department (NYSED) to formalize options for delivery of the BEFO course via BOCES programs or otherwise at the High School level.
- In June 2022, OFPC issued guidance (PDF) for these options.
NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emeregency Services Office of Fire Prevention and Control Volunteer Firefighter Stipend Program, and information about Local Volunteer Firefighter Stipend programs: www.dhses.ny.gov/new-york-state-volunteer-firefighter-stipend-program
Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY): Is there a Fire in You? (Recruit NY)
Westchester County Volunteer Higher Education Recruitment and Retention Opportunities (H.E.R.R.O/ Program)
Rockland County H.E.R.R.O. Program
Here is a successful mentorship program at the Vista Fire Department in Westchester County (https://www.vistafd.org/news/1762/Firefighter-Dan-Hochman-Completes-the-VFD-Mentor-Program)
New York Fire Service Associations and Organizations
Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York (AFDSNY): www.afdsny.org
County Fire Coordinators Association of State of New York (NYSFCA): nysfca.org
New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC): www.nysfirechiefs.com
Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY): fasny.com
Other State Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Resources
New Jersey: The Special Task Force on Volunteer Retention and Recruitment (December 2023)
Connecticut: Volunteer Fire Service and Retention
Pennsylvania: State Recruitment and Retention Information
- Pennsylvania Mentorship Program Guidance
Maryland: Recruitment and Retention Efforts