Niagara County leaders join volunteer firefighter recruitment effort

Submitted by the Public Information Office

Niagara County Fire Coordinator Jon Schultz, along with Niagara County legislators David Godfrey and Chris McKimmie, took part in an event Tuesday hosted by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York in support of FASNY’s recruitment and retention campaign, RecruitNY. Hosted at Frontier Firehall, a 100% volunteer fire company, Schultz and FASNY leadership addressed the crucial need for recruitment within the volunteer fire service.

Schultz assessed the current state of recruitment efforts as a challenge, and not a new one.

“Today, I stand before you to speak about a struggle that is not new,” he said. “Once again, I speak to you about a challenge that never seems to disappear: the continuous obstacle of recruitment and retention to the volunteer fire and EMS services.”

Citing increasing call volumes and cumbersome and ever-evolving training requirements, the demands on personal time for our members of the volunteer fire service has never been greater.

“Niagara County has a proud tradition of volunteerism,” Schultz said. “For generations, our fire service has been built from within – neighbors protecting neighbors, families serving side by side, and communities stepping up when it matters most. That tradition is still strong – but is under pressure.”

Schultz, Godfrey and McKimmie agreed the volunteer fire service must do a “better job at telling their story,” by conveying the opportunity that “comes along with the commitment to serve, to learn, to lead, and to be part of something bigger than themselves.”

The fire coordinator also touched on the importance of retention of those currently serving in the volunteer fire service.

“Retention starts with respect – and it continues with support,” Schultz said. “To the firefighters of Niagara County: Your work matters, your sacrifice is seen, and your dedication is noticed. I stand behind you and your community stands behind you.”

Schultz went on to thank Niagara County’s local elected Leadership and local state elected leadership for their continued support of the volunteer fire service within Niagara County, noting their continued support is not just appreciated, but essential.

“Together, we will meet this challenge. Together, we will move forward. And together, we will ensure that the volunteer fire service remains a source of pride, strength and protection for every resident we serve,” Schultz said.

Those interested in finding out how they can help the community can call their local volunteer fire company or check out this link to see if a RecruitNY event is scheduled for more information: https://fireinyou.org/recruitny/participants/.