LAKE GEORGE, NY — August 27, 2026 — As volunteer fire departments around the nation continue to seek for and keep volunteers, the Lake George Volunteer Fire Department is encouraging young locals to think about joining the organization.

In its August 27 statement, the department emphasized the value of recruiting young people and training them to become the next generation of emergency service volunteers and firemen.

The National Volunteer Fire Council continues to highlight recruitment and retention as the main issues facing volunteer departments, while the National Fire Protection Association has shown a long-term reduction in the number of volunteer firefighters in the United States.

One proven way departments can begin developing future members is through junior firefighter programs. The NVFC says these programs allow young people to learn about fire, rescue and EMS organizations in a safe, controlled and educational environment while developing skills such as teamwork, leadership, responsibility and commitment.

The programs can also give departments a recruitment pipeline for the future. The NVFC specifically identifies junior programs as a way to increase youth awareness of volunteer opportunities while providing departments with additional non-operational support.

The Lake George Fire Department's message encourages young people to start early, receive training and become involved in their community.