Southport Fire Department kicks off New York's annual RecruitNY campaign

Yahoo

23-04-2025

SOUTHPORT, N.Y. (WETM) — Volunteer fire departments across New York State are sounding the alarm — not because of a fire, but because they're in desperate need of help.
A kickoff press conference was held Monday, April 22, at the Southport Fire Department for the Firefighters Association of the State of New York's Annual RecruitNY campaign. Michael Smith from FASNY, along with local leaders and fire officials of Chemung County, gathered to highlight the growing need and to encourage people to step up.
RecruitNY is an initiative of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York. It is designed to promote public awareness of the need for volunteers within fire departments in communities. It allows people to come visit the department in person, in the hopes that it will encourage people to join.
'In the last two decades, recruitment has decreased by 33%, which is not sustainable for the volunteer companies. It's critical for our community to recruit more young people,' said Jennifer Furman, Deputy Chemung County Executive.
FASNY released a survey and the results showed that 49% of people in New York expressed interest in becoming a volunteer firefighter.
Tanglewood hosts two-day online giving campaign
'I've been here for 6-7 years and I am 28 years old. It's honestly been one of the best experiences that I've had here,' said Tyler Edwards, volunteer firefighter at Southport. 'I have volunteered with other departments before in Florida and Pennsylvania, but I can for sure say that this department has been the best that I have ever been a part of,' he said.
The minimum age to volunteer is 16, and there aren't any other requirements.
'I am currently the only female active in this department,' said Teena Page, volunteer firefighter at Southport. 'Women are just as tough as men, we might even be tougher than men are,' she said.
Many of the volunteers have reasons as to why they decided to start volunteering.
'Growing up as a kid my adopted father was a volunteer firefighter, so as a kid hearing and seeing him run down stairs in the middle of the night, it doesn't matter what time it was, seeing him do that and also seeing him do the job and fight fires encouraged me to grow up and be just like him,' said Edwards.
Although volunteers won't get paid, there are financial benefits to becoming a volunteer firefighter.
'The one that is the most important to me is the $200 income tax credit that is provided by New York State to active volunteer firefighters. That $200 is removed from your state tax liability, so it's money in your pocket,' said Michael Smith, member of the publicity committee of the Firefighters Association of New York.
Chemung County offers property tax exemptions for all volunteer firefighters. The fire service also offers annual physical examinations to all of the members.
Local Parish Priest reflects on Pope Francis' death, legacy of compassion
'The physical goes beyond the scope of those that are offered by private insurance companies. We're looking at cardiac issues and are interested in cancer screenings. Across New York State, we've had a few instances where the early detections have saved the lives of the firefighter,' said Smith.
Some volunteer for the benefits while others find joy in saving the lives of others.
'I just love doing what I do for the community. It's very rewarding that the community thanks you for what you do, and knowing that you don't get paid for it,' said Page.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, there was a total of 122 wildland fires in New York State in 2024.
'The history of firefighting isn't there anymore because a lot of firefighters are only one in a family or maybe two in a family,' said Mark Margeson, Chairman of Chemung County Legislature. 'We need to get back to that and invest in it because without them, we have a lot of problems,' he said.
The Town and County Fire Department, located at 130 Gardner Rd in Horseheads, is hosting an open house on Saturday, April 26, from 10 am-5 pm and Sunday, April 27, from 10 am- 4 pm. There will be a tour of the station, and attendees are welcome to ask questions and fill out an application.
The Elmira Heights Fire Department, located on 215 Elmwood Ave in Elmira Heights, is hosting a barbecue on Saturday, April 26 at noon.
The Southport Volunteer Fire Department, located on 1001 Carl St. in Elmira, will be having a chicken barbecue on Sunday, April 27 at 11:14 a.m.
For a list of all of the fire departments participating in RecruitNY across the Southern Tier and a list of departments hosting an open house, visit the RecruitNY website.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.