Will Support Recruitment and Retention Capabilities
On December 23, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) announced that the Brockport Fire District and Spencerport Fire District will receive $19,629 and $24,710, respectively, through the Recruitment and Retention Grant Program. The grants are part of $576,401 awarded to 31 entities statewide 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.
“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.”
Volunteer fire and emergency medical agencies are struggling to recruit new members and maintain their current staffing levels. This statewide crisis directly impacts the safety of all communities. This program will assist in ensuring that these agencies 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).
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