FASNY Holds 6th Annual ‘Future of the Fire Service’ Youth Firefighter Training Day at Annual Convention
Albany, NY - August 21, 2014 - The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) today joined with elected officials, local government leaders, and emergency response representatives at the Colonie Municipal Training Center to kick off the 6th Annual Youth Firefighter Training Day.
The event was part of FASNY’s Annual Convention, in which more than 1,000 volunteer firefighters are attending various training and educational events in the Albany area. During “Youth Day,” approximately 100 fire department Explorers and Junior Firefighters from across the state participate in hands-on firefighter evolutions and exercises including Roof Ventilation, 2nd Floor Window Bailout, Engine Company Operations, Fire Extinguisher Operations, Timed Scoring, Search and Rescue Drills and Survival Skills. The young men and women, ranging in age from 12 to 19, make the trip to Albany so they can experience real, hands-on, live training.
“Our Youth Day Program is a link to the future of our fire service, and it is an important tool for recruiting new members and retaining current volunteers,” said FASNY President James Burns. “We are actively involving the next generation of first responders, and events such as these -- part of our year-round recruitment efforts, help us in our campaign to boost the number of firefighters throughout the state.”
At the Colonie Municipal Training Center facility, the youngsters, like the Capital Region first responders, utilize the most realistic tools available for rescue training, simulating instances where a victim or fellow first-responder are trapped in a fire or crisis situation. The Explorers and Junior Firefighters will experience what it is really like to be a firefighter.
Said Colonie Town Supervisor Paula A. Mahan, “We in the Town of Colonie are very proud that FASNY has chosen to have its Youth Day here, again. Our facilities provide unique training opportunities, and I’m confident that the young people training in them today will have an enriching and rewarding experience.”
For more information on the 142nd FASNY Convention, including events, seminars and training demonstrations, please visit: fasny.com.
About FASNY
Founded in 1872, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) represents the interests of the more than 92,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency first responders in New York State.