Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) is promoting RecruitNY, an initiative by the Fireman’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) to increase participation and involvement in our local volunteer fire departments. Fire companies in Western New York will hold events on April 21 and 22 as part of National Volunteer Week, highlighting the vital services our heroic volunteers provide for our communities, and discuss options and qualifications with prospective volunteers.

“Volunteers comprise nearly 95 percent of the state’s firefighters, and every courageous man and woman they add to their ranks increases their ability to protect our lives, property and community,” said Hawley. “Western New Yorkers have always stood strongly by our heroic brothers and sisters that risk their lives for the benefit of others, and I hope that we continue to honor our commitment to our volunteers during RecruitNY.”

A list of participating departments can be found at http://www.recruitny.org/opendoors.php. Fire companies wishing to participate still have time to sign up by contacting FASNY, or visiting http://www.recruitny.org/. The organization can provide promotional tools such as tips on advertising and graphics for posters, signs, cards and banners.

Assemblyman Hawley is a co-sponsor of the Volunteer Firefighter and Ambulance Worker Protection and Incentive Act, which includes initiatives that will provide volunteers with an increased personal income tax credit, heart disease and blood exposure protection, employment protection, and priority access to wireless telephone and text messaging services during emergencies. He also sponsors legislation to expand the existing health coverage provided under the Volunteer Firefighters' Benefit Law.