New York’s volunteer fire service says it is reaching a breaking point as departments struggle to recruit and retain members.
The Firefighters Association of the State of New York warns that fewer residents can commit the time and resources needed to volunteer, even as emergency calls continue to rise across the state.
FASNY says volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel save taxpayers an estimated $3.8 billion each year, yet their ranks have dropped sharply. Membership has fallen from about 120,000 volunteers in the early 2000s to roughly 80,000 today, according to the organization.
To address the decline, FASNY is backing the Volunteer Optimization Legislative Initiative, known as VOLI. The proposal includes 14 measures designed to modernize how New York supports volunteer emergency responders.
The initiative focuses on reducing financial and workplace barriers that discourage service. FASNY says many potential volunteers feel the commitment is overwhelming or too costly under current rules.
Several proposals center on tax relief. VOLI would expand income tax credits for volunteer firefighters and EMS members, allow credits to combine with property tax exemptions, and create new credits to help cover child care and family expenses. Housing costs would also be addressed through mortgage recording tax exemptions and optional local fee relief.
The package also aims to reimburse volunteers for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses without creating tax penalties. Additional incentives would support on-call shifts through the Length of Service Award Program, with state reimbursement to help smaller departments afford those benefits.
Workplace challenges play a major role in declining volunteerism. VOLI proposes tax incentives for employers who hire volunteers and allow them to respond to emergencies during work hours. The initiative also strengthens job protections for volunteers.
Another provision would prevent local governments, unions, or bargaining units from blocking career firefighters from volunteering in their home communities, expanding the pool of trained responders.
Safety and fairness remain key concerns. FASNY says VOLI would align volunteer injury benefits with standard workers’ compensation and expand access to training stipends, tuition assistance, and public service loan forgiveness.
FASNY leaders describe the proposal as a practical update, not a radical shift. They say the measures reflect modern economic realities while preserving New York’s long-standing volunteer tradition.
With the legislative session underway, FASNY plans to press lawmakers to adopt the initiative. The organization says passing even part of the package would strengthen emergency response and help ensure volunteer fire and EMS services remain viable statewide.
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