BY JIMMY LAWTON
North Country This Week

As fire and rescue services continue to struggle to fill their ranks, St. Lawrence County Fire Chief’s Association is renewing efforts to find the next generation of volunteers.

“From 1998 to 2021, the number of volunteer firefighters in New York decreased from 110,000 to 75,000, a 32% drop. More than three-quarters of volunteer fire departments have fewer firefighters than they did two decades ago. During that same period, calls increased by 29%,” according to Gov. Kathy Hochul who shared those statistics in her State of the State address in January.

SLCFA Co-Chair Dale Barker said those numbers ring true locally as well, but he and others are hoping to to turn the tide.

He said a “Youth in Fire Service Committee” virtual meeting is set for 7 p.m. Sunday, April 16. Those interested can click here to attend.

A focus on youth

The goal is to focus on the next generation by offering St. Lawrence County’s youth population to fire service.

He’s hoping any of the county’s youth advisors or officers will intend, but the invitation is also being extended to fire department leaders interested in launching a junior firefighters program.

The committee was formed in March and includes firefighters and junior firefighters.

“The goal is to encourage young people to become local fire and EMS service providers,” he said. “In St. Lawrence County, 18 junior programs exist or have existed. We’re trying to find out how many we have and connect them,” he said. “Before a month ago, we were only aware of five.”

Barker also sits on the Fire Association of the State of New York youth committee. He said that a statewide committee has existed for some time, but St. Lawrence County has never had a local version until now.

“It’s a start in the right direction. A lot of volunteer organizations are not sure how to start a junior program and we want to help. I think with the assistance of two current junior firefighters on that committee will help us build a process,” he said. “Our goal is to get representation from every junior program in the county.”

Changing times

Barker said the decline in volunteers is something that needs to be addressed, but says the issues facing the small fire departments are many.

He said state regulations, economic factors, smaller family sizes and dangers associated with the duties are just a few of the hurdles impeding volunteerism.

He also said the decline in small farms has played a role locally. He said in decades past farmers were often members of departments and had the flexibility to respond.

“Some jobs aren’t as flexible,” he said.

Barker is also Co-Chair of the Clifton-Fine Junior Firefighter program, which he says has grown to more than 20 members. That’s a positive swing in the right direction he’s hoping can be replicated in other communities in St. Lawrence County. The program was launched in October of 2022.

Barker says he’s hopeful the revival of old and creation of new junior firefighter programs will be an opportunity for St. Lawrence County children to learn about the service and bolster interest.

He said many fire departments have relied on generational support, but the youth programs can provide an inroad to a broader group.

He said fire service can also lead to career opportunities in an industry that’s short handed. He said those who join the junior programs will be invited to see firefighters in action. In August, St. Lawrence County Youth Days will be held at the West Potsdam at the county training center.

He’s hopeful junior firefighters throughout the county will attend.

For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/502371986595702/about