"Our volunteer firefighters and rescue squad members risk their lives every time they respond to an emergency. This legislation simply updates existing law to ensure our brave volunteers are not economically disadvantaged if they are injured and forced to miss work. It’s time to update the law to protect our volunteers and their families," she said.
The legislation amends the volunteer firefighters' benefit law and the volunteer ambulance workers' law to update benefits and modernize coverage for services provided in the line of duty.
"We know despite the countless hours of training required of our volunteers and technological advancements, injuries are still a part of the volunteer fire service. We know sometimes the injuries are serious enough that they can cause temporary or permanent disabilities," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
She noted the weekly benefit has not been updated in over 10 years. The legislation increases the temporary benefit to $650 per week.
The legislation, sponsored by Assemblyman William Magnarelli, now moves to the state Senate. A similar bill sent to the Senate died in committee last year.
IN THE PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne has long worked to support volunteer first responders in the state legislature. She is shown awarding long-time Massena Volunteer Fire Department volunteer Gary Donaldson with a citation this fall after he was named the volunteer department's Fireman of the Year.