There are approximately 97,000 volunteer firefighters in NYS, making up 95 percent of our state’s firefighters, and another 24,000 are volunteer emergency medical personnel. However, in recent years, our local volunteer companies have had problems recruiting new volunteers.

To help further protect our communities and support our volunteer firefighters, Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt would like to inform constituents about changes and new services for volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel.

Volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel are not only some of the bravest residents in our community, but they serve a vital role in protecting us all. For their service, they are currently eligible for:

• Volunteer Firefighter Income Tax Credit
• Volunteer Firefighter Property Tax Exemption
• Participation in Municipal Health Insurance Plan
• Partial & Total Disability Benefits
• NYS Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment Service Scholarship

New Health Insurance Available for
Volunteer Firefighters & Emergency Personnel

Chapter 71 of the Laws of 2010 allows all municipalities to offer affordable health insurance to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, including the New York State Health Insurance Plan, which nearly 900 local governments currently offer their employees. Payment for the entire cost of the insurance coverage would be the responsibility of the volunteer; however, the cost for insurance through local governments, especially if the insurance is NYSHIP, is much lower than what a volunteer firefighter would pay for a private policy alone.

Fire companies should contact the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York or your local municipality for more information on how to obtain coverage.