Senator O’Mara has highlighted a significant challenge facing New York State in his latest column, focusing on the critical need for volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention. The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) has initiated a “Light Up NY Red” campaign to coincide with the annual RecruitNY weekend, aiming to increase awareness and participation across the state from April 21 to 27.
FASNY President Eugene Perry emphasized the sharp decline in volunteer firefighter numbers, which have dropped by 33% over the past two decades, leaving around 80,000 active personnel. Perry stated, “We’re working with state and local officials to get some of our biggest landmarks involved.”
Firehouses across New York are encouraged to “glow red” in a campaign symbolizing the commitment to community service and highlighting the need for more volunteers. Citizens are also asked to participate by illuminating their homes with red lights.
The initiative is particularly important for rural and upstate communities, where volunteer fire departments are essential to public safety. The challenge of sustaining these critical services due to declining volunteer numbers is a matter of considerable concern.
Senator O’Mara and colleagues, including Assemblymen Phil Palmesano and Chris Friend, have been active in supporting legislative efforts to address this issue through the “Omnibus Emergency Services Volunteer Incentive Act.” They advocate increasing the state’s income tax credit for volunteers from $200 to $800, a measure that passed the Senate the previous year.
A study by FASNY indicates that volunteer firefighters save the state approximately $4 billion annually. If the volunteer system were replaced by a professional one, it would require hiring an additional 31,000 career firefighters, costing $4.7 billion annually, plus a $8.2 billion one-time expense for infrastructure. This transition would lead to an average property tax increase of 28.4% statewide.
Despite these challenges, there is optimism. A statewide survey indicated that two-thirds of respondents expressed interest in visiting local fire stations to learn more about volunteering, with 98% acknowledging the essential role of volunteer firefighters and emergency services in their community’s health and safety.
