In late October, New York City reportedly sent out a call to potential volunteer firefighters from Long Island and Upstate New York to help cover the “impending shortage” of firefighters that was expected to be caused by the COVID-19 vaccine mandate’s November 1 deadline.
The anxious message was emailed to roughly 350 possible volunteer firefighters, according to the Daily Mail.
“Good morning all. We need to start identifying members of the service who are active volunteer firemen in both Long Island and Upstate counties in anticipation of the impending shortage for the FDNY due to COVID-19 vaccine mandates,” the email stated. “On a voluntary only basis operations is looking to have qualified members on standby to backfill firehouses if necessary.”
