**Tompkins rural FD crisis: resignations, deadly fires** [developing]
Key Questions
What is causing the volunteer shortage crisis in Tompkins County fire departments?
The Pioneer FD in Dryden/Tompkins has seen near-full resignations, raising fears of delayed response times. Statewide, volunteer numbers have dropped from 830,000 to 630,000 while calls have doubled, prompting recruitment efforts.
What recent fatal fires occurred in the area?
A Groton fire on April 10 killed Robert Morusty (77) and Jason Morusty (48). A Dryden house fire killed Paisley Wood (3), Christy Oralls (30), and Katherine Gray (31), with Chief Pete Tyler's investigation ongoing.
How are fire departments addressing the volunteer shortages?
Departments are using creative youth recruitment strategies, including juniors programs and RecruitNY open houses, amid the statewide crisis.
Pioneer FD near-full resignations in Dryden/Tompkins raising response time fears; statewide volunteer shortages (830k to 630k vols, calls doubled) spur youth recruitment strategies like juniors programs/RecruitNY open houses. Groton Apr10 fire killed Robert Morusty (77) & Jason Morusty (48); Dryden house fire killed Paisley Wood (3), Christy Oralls (30), Katherine Gray (31)—Chief Pete Tyler investigation ongoing.