"I've spent a lot of time in volunteer fire halls and interact with volunteer firefighters and those staffing our local rescue squads. I have heard first hand the time and effort they dedicate to safe practices," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
"But despite years of experience and improvements in technology, the work they do is still dangerous and injuries do occur. Sometimes, unfortunately, those injuries are severe and cause temporary or total permanent disabilities," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
"It is important that we support our volunteers and have their backs when they leave the safety of their homes to assist their neighbors in a time of crisis. The benefits haven't been updated in a decade, and this legislation is necessary so our volunteers aren't financially disadvantaged because they can't work due to injuries they suffered while providing a vital community service," she added.
This legislation updates and modernizes certain provisions of law relating to emergency service workers and is is aimed at more accurately reflecting current emergency response practices and updating the law for volunteers into greater parity with other segments of the response community.
The bill would amend the volunteer firefighters' and volunteer ambulance workers' benefit laws to provide a weekly benefit of $650 for volunteers that sustain total permanent disability or partial permanent disability while in the line of duty.
The measure passed the state Assembly by a 109-0 margin and is awaiting action (S3904) in the state Senate.
IN THE PHOTOS:
TOP PHOTO:
A photo from the Massena Volunteer Fire Department's Facebook page.
BOTTOM PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne chats with Massena Volunteer Fire Department volunteer Patrick O'Brien during an open house at the Boys and Girls Club of Massena. The fire department had its ladder truck at the event and was offering demonstrations of their equipment.
