NY Legislation Gives Tax Break to Volunteer Firefighters and EMS

by Monsey.info

Volunteering is starting to pay well in New York State.

With legislation signed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, volunteer firefighters and EMS, which includes Hatzoloh volunteers, may now get a 10% tax exemption from municipalities.

“Well contrary to popular belief and popular culture, most fire and emergency response in New York and frankly across the country is done by volunteers,” said John D’Alessandro, Association Secretary for the Fire Fighters Association of the State of NY. “We have numerous programs, everything from this tax break to providing college tuition reimbursement, you know we have a number of bills that we still continue to pursue, that would create more incentives for the men and women who want to volunteer and can volunteer to protect their communities.”

The bill was crafted as an attempt to attract volunteers for the many short staffed volunteer departments across the state. With demand for emergency services and costs increasing, volunteer departments across the country suddenly found themselves in desperate need of additional volunteers, and few willing to take on the responsibility.