OSWEGO -- Oswego County is experiencing a shortage in volunteer firefighters, especially in rural communities.
Oswego County Fire Coordinator Donald Forbes says, of the 30 volunteer fire departments in Oswego County, about half of them have low membership. All of them are recruiting new members.
Forbes says many departments have a problem during the daytime because so many firefighters work during the day. He says years ago, only one department would be called to a fire and another would be on standby. These days, five or six departments are usually called for mutual aid.
Several weeks ago, there was a house fire in Pennellville around 10:00 a.m. Forbes says about ten departments were called to help fight that fire. The heat that day made it even more difficult because firefighters could only work for a limited amount of time.
Forbes says when many different departments need to be called from different areas, it can take longer to get to fires. It also uses resources that might be needed if an emergency arises in those communities.
Volunteer firefighters are required to go through training after they sign up. That usually involves an 84 hour class, safety training, and continuing training once they join the department.
Forbes says it's a lot of work, but the experience is rewarding.
"You're helping your neighborhood, and it's something that's very gratifying when you do get to go out and help other people," he says. "It's really something that's very worthwhile personally I think, but very worthwhile for the community, too."
If you're interested in joining a fire department in Oswego County, you can call the Fire Coordinator's office at (315) 349-8800. You can also contact your local fire department directly or call the toll free number 1-877-675-1588.
