CHAUTAUQUA – As part of the annual RecruitNY statewide initiative, the Chautauqua Fire Department will open its doors so residents can learn how they can serve their volunteer fire department.

The open house is also open to the curious public to come see the hall, museum room, trucks and ask volunteer members questions.

Volunteer fire departments across New York state have been faced with decreased membership and increased call volume. Like most volunteer fire departments, the Chautauqua Fire Department needs to bolster its ranks so it can continue to provide the optimum level of protection for its residents.

As part of RecruitNY Weekend, the Chautauqua Fire Department will open its doors on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. The department is located at 2 Royal Way, Chautauqua.

Throughout the day, the Chautauqua Fire Department will conduct tours of the hall and apparatus, provide information, and address questions on becoming a volunteer member. Activities give visitors a taste of what it means to be in the fire service. Volunteer firefighters and EMTs will also be on hand to discuss the requirements and rewards of joining. All are welcome and encouraged to attend, including families with children.

“We welcome the community to join us Saturday during RecruitNY Weekend,” said Chief Chad Hall. “This is an excellent opportunity for people to meet their local volunteer firefighters and learn more about the fire service. We are always looking for new members, and it is our hope that after meeting us, more people will be interested in becoming part of our family.”

Fire departments across Chautauqua County are in need of volunteers and others are holding open houses this weekend with Recruit NY as well. To see if a department is participating, visit FireInYou.org.

For more information, visit Chautauquafire.org, or reach out by e-mail to the department’s Recruit NY representative at 7katcom7@gmail.com.