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During its most challenging moments, firefighting is a duty that is not meant for the faint of heart.

Whether it's extricating a person from a car along a busy road or heading into a burning building, firefighters risk their lives, and many are volunteers.

“They’re woven into the fabric of our towns and villages,” Saratoga County Office of Emergency Services Commissioner Carl Zeilman said.

But in growing Saratoga County and beyond, there are not enough men and women to fight the flames.

“During the past decade, our growth rate has been six times the average for upstate counties,” Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Todd Kusnierz said.

But county leaders said there are about 40,000 less volunteer firefighters across the state than there were 20 years ago. It’s estimated there are about 80,000 volunteers firefighters serving now.

“We need young firefighters, middle-aged firefighters. We need older firefighters,” Malta Ridge Volunteer Fire Company Chief Peter Shaw said.

Everyday life commitments and training requirements are said to be contributing to the shortage of firefighters.

“We need firefighters who can work in an emergency scene, along with firefighters who can work behind the scenes," Shaw said.

It’s why the county launched Roll With Us, a recruitment campaign to help fill the boots at the 33 volunteer fire houses across the county.

On Wednesday, first responders gathered at the Round Lake Fire Department to demonstrate scenarios firefighters face on a daily basis, and highlight stories of two Rexford Fire Department volunteers.

“My dad had a severe heart attack, and the East Glenville department showed up,” Maria Westbrook recalled. “They were very well trained. They knew what they were doing.”

They saved her father’s life. The experience Inspired Westbrook, who is now a captain and emergency medical technician.

“Being part of a fire department is being part of a family,” she said.

Part of the family is Bob West, who joined the department two years ago at the age of 50.

“Next thing I know, I’m jumping out of windows doing bailouts, I’m going into buildings, I’m helping out and getting my hands dirty,” West said.

A year-and-a-half later, an emergency occurred at home, where West’s son, Nate, was stung by a wasp.

“My son was mowing the lawn and my wife said, 'can you dig this stinger out,'” West recalled. “And within about a minute, he started collapsing.”

West’s chief arrived on the scene first, part of what turned out to be a life-saving response. He hasn’t looked back since.

“It really drove home the point of saying, 'that’s the reason why good people like that are out there,'” he said.

Those who would like to volunteer as a firefighter are encouraged to swing by their local firehouse or check out their website.

“We’ll teach you how to do it all,” Shaw said. “All you need to do is join us.”