Area fire department recruiting volunteers through high school partnership

Many fire departments across Central New York are volunteer-based and departments are always looking for more resources, especially human resources.

The Firemen's Association of the State of New York wants to recruit more than 15,000 new firefighters by 2015.

And, the Frankfort Fire Department is wasting no time searching for recruits at an area high school.

As they are in the Village of Frankfort's Fire Department, many firefighters are seasoned volunteers.

"Demographically the average of most fire departments is 42 years-old," said Chief Charles Conigliaro.

Which means the volunteer firefighters have full-time jobs, need to pay bills and take care of their families.

Chief Conigliaro says because of that- the partnership with Frankfort-Schulyer High School is crucial.

Since 1998, the fire department and high school created a program where students can volunteer at the fire house.

As long as the students keep up their grades and commit at least 120 hours a year to the fire department, they receive school credit and valuable life skills.

"These are the students and young folks that have the time to devote to training. They are the first responders of all communities," said Chief Conigliaro.

Currently there are five students from Frankfort- Schuyler in the program.

Chief Conigliaro says it's a win-win situation for the recruits. They get the thrill of leaning fire protection and serve their community.

And if they take the training courses, the students, like 17-year-old Frank Grippe can be certified to answer alarms.

"I've gained a lot through this program. I've been through stressful situations. I've learned a lot of skills and I potentially want to pursue a firefighting job after this," said Grippe.

The high school senior has always wanted to be in the military and says volunteering at the fire department is a great way to learn about service. "I never realized what volunteers go through until I joined. It's a lifelong commitment," said Grippe.

The Frankfort Fire Department will be holding a meeting about its recruitment program next Wednesday, January 9^th, at 7 p.m. at the fire house.

Students must be at least 16 to volunteer, but Chief Conigliaro says they welcome younger students and their parents to the meeting to learn about the program. That way when they are eligible to be a part of the team, they know what they are getting themselves into.