ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Many of New York’s 1,780 volunteer fire departments plan to hold recruiting drives later this month aimed at boosting enrollment that’s now about 100,000 with increasing numbers of women.
The total remains about 20,000 short of the 1990s peak, though it’s an equal amount higher than its low point a decade later.
John D’Alessandro, secretary of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, says they’ve seen steady increases in the number of women firefighters.
He says women comprise 10 of the 50 firefighters at his Halfmoon department in suburban Albany and may account for 30 percent or more statewide.
Danielle Haas says she joined the Gansevoort department in Saratoga County once her three children were older. Her daughters, ages 18 and 16, have followed.
Recruiting weekend is April 23 and 24.
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