Long Island Puts Out Call For More Volunteer Firefighters

GARDEN CITY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Nassau and Suffolk county executives are coming together to make an appeal for more volunteer firefighters.

"We need volunteer firefighters. They need help," Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said Thursday during a press conference at the Nassau County Firefighters Museum & Education Center in Garden City. "Sign up to be a volunteer. Sign up to help your community."

"Join a volunteer fire department," Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano said.

Listen to Long Island Seeks More Volunteer Firefighters

Firemen's Association of the State of New York President Robert McConville said unlike New York City, firefighters on Long Island aren't paid.

"All of the fire departments in Nassau and Suffolk are volunteer, and they rely on neighbors helping neighbors," McConville said. "Our volunteers answer the call for medical emergencies, floods, snow and ice storms, hurricanes and countless other emergency events."

In November, CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff reported medical emergency calls to 911 are up and volunteerism is down.

Long Island firehouses will be holding recruitment open houses this weekend, which both county executives have proclaimed "RECRUITNY Weekend."

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