Fire officials sound the alarm about decline of volunteer members
Fire officials on Thursday spoke out in White Plains, demanding attention be paid to the ever-growing issue of declining volunteer firefighters.
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Fire officials are calling for a new nominal compensation law to "stabilize recruitment, retain experienced personnel, and keep firehouses open" after a decline in volunteer members.
"Many years ago, we were at 120,000. We're down to 80,000. A significant drop across New York State," said Ralph Raymond, the 2nd vice president of the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York.
In December, the Floral Park Centre Fire Company shuttered its doors after a century of service, citing "the prolonged failure of community members not joining the company."
To combat the problem, officials are asking state legislators to amend the current nominal compensation law.
Currently, the state authorizes stipends to volunteers for training purposes only.
Legislation has been introduced that would give jurisdictions the option to decide what compensation and its parameters will look like.
"Instead of bagging groceries and the grocery store as a second job, maybe they'll decide to work at the firehouse for that nominal compensation because they love what they do. Volunteering their time to assist their community," said Richard Lyman with the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs.
The bill also allows for reimbursement of travel expenses for volunteers responding to emergency calls.
If passed, fire districts will have the option whether to implement the law.
