News from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb
Assembly Office:
933 Legislative Office Building • Albany, NY 12248 • (518) 455-3751
District Offices:
607 West Washington Street • Suite 2 • Geneva, NY 14456 • (315) 781-2030
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For Release: IMMEDIATELY, August 1, 2014
Contact: Emily Palumbos, (315) 781-2030
Advantages Of Being A Volunteer Firefighter
Legislative column from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I-Canandaigua)

As we've seen in recent days, communities rely on skilled, dedicated volunteers when an unexpected crisis arises. The storms that inflicted so much damage to parts of our home region remind us of the critical need for volunteer first-responders. As recent events have proven once again, we have some of the most dedicated responders in New York.

IMPORTANCE OF FIRST RESPONDERS IN OUR COMMUNITIES

In the face of danger or adversity, our emergency service first responders risk their well-being to keep residents safe. Supporting our brave volunteers is important, as they risk their lives to serve others selflessly and I, along with members of the Assembly Minority Conference, continue to advocate protecting the health and well-being of volunteer firefighters by sponsoring legislation in Albany, including the;

  • Omnibus Emergency Services Volunteer Incentive Act (A.4781) which provides benefits to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers; increases the personal income tax deduction after four or more years of service; authorizes the provision of municipal health insurance coverage to such volunteers; and establishes a volunteer recruitment service loan forgiveness program, and;

  • Expand Volunteer Firefighters' Benefit Law (A.1552) which expands the existing health coverage provided to include cancer of the digestive, hematological, lymphatic, urinary, prostate, neurological, breast and reproductive systems.

RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS THROUGH FASNY HELP PROGRAM

Did you know that members of volunteer fire departments have the opportunity to receive tuition reimbursement through the Firemen's Association of the State of New York (FASNY)? The Higher Education Learning Plan (HELP) was developed by FASNY as an incentive for people to join New York's volunteer fire service.

FASNY HELP allows community college students to receive up to 100 percent tuition reimbursement for up to 80 credit hours while serving as volunteer firefighters and maintaining their grades. According to FASNY, the goal of this program is to help recruit and retain volunteers to fill a shortage left by the loss of more than 41,000 emergency volunteer workers in recent years. To apply, candidates must first complete their local fire department's volunteer membership process and the Volunteer Fire Department Commitment form.

For information on the program and specifics on how to apply, visit http://www.fasny.com/index.php/resources/fasny-help/ or call FASNY toll free at 800-232-7692. The program was made possible through a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant awarded by the Department of Homeland Security.

As the son of a retired firefighter, I recognize the importance of first responders to our communities across the Finger Lakes Region. I hope this program will help to reverse the downward trend in volunteer recruitment and entice individuals to learn more about the rewarding opportunities associated with being a volunteer firefighter.

What do you think? I want to hear from you. Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or email me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.