The Schenectady County Legislature is inviting residents to explore their local volunteer fire departments who are hosting open houses for Recruit NY. These events aim to raise awareness about the essential services provided by these departments and highlights the urgent need for community volunteers.
“Schenectady County recognizes the challenges faced by our volunteer departments in recruiting new members,” said Schenectady County Legislator Anthony Jasenski, Chair of the Firefighting & EMS Committee. “By promoting their events, we aim to increase awareness of the crucial role these departments play and encourage community members to attend and explore ways to support their efforts.”
Currently, the following departments are hosting open house events for Recruit NY. Visit https://www.recruitny.org/participants/ for the most up-to-date information:
Glenville Hill FD
1086 Church Road in Glenville
April 13, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Beukendaal Volunteer FD
501 Sacandaga Road in Glenville
April 13, 12-2:00 p.m.
West Glenville Fire Company
2024 W. Glenville Road in Glenville
April 13, 12-2:00 p.m.
Alplaus Fire Department
309 Alplaus Avenue in Glenville
April 13, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Rotterdam Junction Volunteer Fire Department
1215 Main Street in Rotterdam
April 13, 1-3:00 p.m.
Additional departments may also be hosting events that are not listed on the Recruit NY website.
Supporting Local First Responders
Schenectady County Property Tax Exemption
Last year, the Legislature passed Local Law No. 1-2023, which expanded the county’s property tax exemption to the maximum allowed for members of volunteer fire departments and volunteer ambulance services with a minimum of two years of service.
Over 180 applications were received by the March 1, 2024 deadline to be eligible for the expanded property tax exemption starting in January 2025. Learn more at https://www.schenectadycountyny.gov/legislature/firefighter-tax-exemption.
Schenectady County Fire Service Improvement Grant Fund
In 2023, the County Legislature awarded 22 volunteer and combined fire departments with a total of $440,000 in grant funding, an increase in their annual $50,000 appropriation to the County’s Fire Service Improvement Grant Fund. The Legislature awarded over $200,000 in additional funding to local departments from 2019-2022 through the grant, which was created to enhance the departments’ capabilities in response to the impact and magnitude of unusual storms, natural disasters, and every day responses have on their resources.
Supporting Local EMS
In 2022, the County Legislature granted $50,000 to the Duanesburg Volunteer Ambulance Corps (DVAC) and $150,000 to Rotterdam Emergency Medical Services (REMS) to help cover expenses incurred due to the pandemic.
Land Donation to DVAC
The County Legislature donated a tax foreclosed property to DVAC in January. The parcel, which is adjacent to DVAC’s 130 Cole Road property in Delanson includes a house, which will be used for administrative offices, training space, and lodging for first responders.
Become a Volunteer Firefighter or EMS Worker
Volunteer departments depend on members of the community to help during times of crisis. While firefighters and EMS workers are the primary emergency responders for many neighborhoods throughout Schenectady County, there are many other volunteer opportunities available to help departments respond to fire alarms, rescue and medical calls, and help their communities through environmental and natural disasters. Learn more about becoming a volunteer firefighter or EMS worker in Schenectady County at www.schenectadycountyny.gov/emo/volunteer-firefighter.
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