People who are concerned about safety are more than a little worried about the numbers when it comes to volunteer fire departments. According to John D'Alessandro, Association Secretary of the Firemen's Association of the State of NY (FASNY) more than 80 percent of fire and emergency response in the nation is done by volunteers. He says that percentage is even higher in New York. In the episode of Upstate Issues, Diane Donato talks with D'Alessandro about efforts to attract new people to volunteer, including ways the training is being made more accessible. D'Alessandro also talks about the personal satisfaction that comes with community involvement. He says they have a job for every kind of skill set.
For more information: www.fasny.com
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