RUSH, N.Y. (WROC) — Firefighters from across the state gathered in Rush on Friday to announce continued efforts to address dwindling volunteer numbers.
According to fire officials, the number of volunteer firefighters throughout New York has dropped by 40%, a decline that poses a risk to public safety and the stability of firehouses. Multiple firehouses have reportedly been forced to shut down due to the lack of available staff, rising equipment costs, and pressure to fill the gap with minimal support.
“We have the passion, we just need the people and the training,” said Chip Knapp, Lt. and President of the Mendon Fire Department…