Officials from the West Endicott Fire Department held a town hall at their fire station Sunday night, saying if there's not an influx of young volunteers, they may have to close their department at the end of the year.
Maria Tinklepaugh has lived in the West Endicott area for over fifty years, and she says she is concerned about the future of the department.
"I think New York State is going to be in trouble with the volunteer fire departments. I hate to see it happen because we do have so many dedicated people, and it is very comforting to know you have a fire station less than a block and a half away from you," Tinklepaugh said.
Officials, like Assistant Fire Chief Mike Tremblay, said the benefits of being a firefighter are life changing.