With volunteer ranks declining and firehouses under strain, New York’s emergency services are rallying this week to spotlight a growing crisis that could reshape the future of public safety across the state.
Senator Tom O’Mara is raising the alarm ahead of “RecruitNY” weekend on April 26–27, when local volunteer fire departments open their doors in hopes of drawing new recruits. The effort is supported by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY), which is also spearheading a statewide “Light Up NY Red” campaign to build awareness and public support.
FASNY President Eugene Perry noted that the number of volunteer firefighters has plummeted by 33% over the past 20 years, leaving just 80,000 active members across the state. Most of New York’s 1,795 municipal fire departments—89%—are run by volunteers, especially in smaller, rural communities that lack the tax base to support paid departments.
O’Mara, who represents rural areas of upstate New York, warned that this decline threatens not just public safety but local economies. “Its demise can’t be risked,” he wrote in a recent column, calling for a renewed statewide commitment to supporting volunteers.
To address the shortfall, FASNY is pushing for the state income tax credit for volunteers to be raised from $200 to $800. The current amount was set in 2006 and has not increased since. The Senate passed the increase last year, and O’Mara said he continues to support it.
O’Mara and fellow legislators Phil Palmesano and Chris Friend have also introduced the “Omnibus Emergency Services Volunteer Incentive Act,” a package of tax and other benefits aimed at making volunteer service more appealing. The legislation reflects growing concerns that without action, many localities could face rising property taxes or major service disruptions.
A FASNY study found that New York’s volunteer fire departments save taxpayers nearly $4 billion annually. Replacing them with paid services would require hiring 31,000 additional career firefighters, cost $4.7 billion a year, and trigger a one-time infrastructure expense of $8.2 billion. Statewide property taxes would spike by an estimated 28.4%.
Despite the challenges, there are signs of hope. A statewide survey found that two-thirds of New Yorkers are interested in learning more about volunteering, and 98% agree that volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel are vital to their community’s health and safety.
As part of the “Light Up NY Red” campaign, fire departments are being encouraged to light their buildings red throughout the week. Residents are also being urged to join in by turning on red porch lights to show support for their local volunteers.
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