Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, Senator James Skoufis, and Senator Patricia Fahy joined Division of Military and Naval Affairs (DMNA) firefighters from Stratton Air National Guard Base to call on the inclusion of a 25-year retirement plan in the enacted state budget due April 1. The plan was included in both the Senate and Assembly’s one-house budgets. Assemblyman Santabarbara and Senator Skoufis have also introduced legislation to provide parity for these firefighters. (A4001/S6204)

CSEA-represented DMNA firefighters serve at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, and Frances S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base on Long Island, providing critical fire and rescue services. Despite receiving the same training as municipal firefighters, plus additional specialized aircraft training, DMNA firefighters face a stark pension disparity. While municipal firefighters can retire after 20 years, most Tier 6 DMNA firefighters must work until age 63.

This inequity has led to a staffing crisis across all three bases. Stratton ANGB, for example, is authorized for 27 firefighters but currently operates with just 16. Severe understaffing threatens military readiness and could even ground military aircraft if firefighter coverage is insufficient.

DMNA firefighters also play a crucial role in public safety, providing mutual aid to local fire departments. The Stratton ANGB Fire Department offers 24/7 FAST Team support and specialized assistance to the Town of Glenville and Schenectady County Airport.

“This is about fairness and safety. The firefighters at our state’s military bases do the same dangerous work as other professional firefighters – often with added responsibilities – but they’re still denied equal pension and injury benefits,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “My bill corrects that. Including it in the state budget ensures they finally receive the same benefits every other firefighter in New York is entitled to.”

“There’s no better way to thank these dedicated public servants for their service than by ensuring DMNA firefighters are supported and fairly compensated for their work,” said Senator James Skoufis. “For many of these firefighters, their duties extend beyond the airport or the base to supply mutual aid to area fire companies, helping to keep our communities safe. Providing pension parity to our firefighters is vital and I am proud to stand with my colleagues, friends, and these brave first responders to fight for what’s right.”

“DMNA firefighters do the critical work of keeping Stratton Air National Guard Base safe and operational every day in the 46th District = now it’s our turn to return the favor,” said Senator Patricia Fahy. “Ensuring that DMNA firefighters can retire with dignity recognizes their immense contributions and status as key first responders in our communities. I’m proud to support this legislation and look forward to working with Senator Skoufis and AM Santabarbara to ensure it’s included in the final state budget this year.”

“CSEA strongly supports the legislation (S.3655) to provide DMNA firefighters with a pension equivalent to half of their final average salary after twenty-five years of service. The work of DMNA firefighters is rigorous and requires great stamina. It is unreasonable to expect this workforce to perform at this level for 43 years. Bringing them in line with other professional firefighters is simply the right thing to do,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan.

“It’s a serious retention issue for these highly specialized members of CSEA who run mission critical operations. When there aren’t enough firefighters, these missions don’t get off the ground. The pension inequity is stark and the cost is insignificant in relation to the value gained by both our state and these families,” said Shana Davis, CSEA Capital Region President.