Connections Podcast

Shortage in firefighters puts public safety at risk


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Volunteering is at its lowest level in decades in the United States. In some communities, this marks a possible crisis: rural hospitals are struggling and could close, and emergency relief dollars are harder to come by. Volunteer firefighting is a lifeline for many small towns. We check in on the efforts to increase volunteerism — especially where it's needed most. Our guests:

  • Bill DiFabio, 3rd assistant chief of the Branchport Keuka Park Fire Department  
  • Matt Kelly, EMS captain of the Branchport Keuka Park Fire Department and EMT for Yates County Ambulance  
  • Rebecca Case, firefighter/EMT with the Branchport Keuka Park Fire Department and junior at Keuka College
  • Alvin Leid, firefighter with the Branchport Keuka Park Fire Department  
  • Lily Stewart, firefighter/EMT with the Branchport Keuka Park Fire Department and sophomore at Keuka College 
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