Volunteer firefighter numbers in New York fall to lowest level in decades

Volunteer firefighter numbers across New York state have dropped to their lowest level in decades, raising concerns about staffing shortages and slower emergency response times. Fire officials and chiefs from Long Island and across the state say financial pressures, changing lifestyles and a loss of community connection are making it harder to recruit and retain volunteers. Some firehouses have gone unmanned, and response times are increasing, according to officials. At a news conference, fire leaders urged state lawmakers to consider new incentives, including nominal compensation, tax credits and child care support, to help reverse the trend and keep departments operational.