Champlain, NY — 7th March — New York State Senator Dan Stec visited the Champlain Fire District, located at 11006 Route 9 in Champlain, as part of a tour of the district's new fire station and a conversation about concerns impacting volunteer firefighters. Attendees included representatives from regional fire service organizations, village and town leaders, local fire departments, and emergency medical services.

Participants talked about the difficulties volunteer departments face during the tour, such as training needs, recruitment, retention, and the rising demand for emergency services. In many areas of northern New York, including Clinton County, the majority of firefighters are volunteers. Potential incentives and initiatives to improve volunteer recruitment and assist departments that offer emergency protection in remote regions are still being examined by state and municipal officials.