New York’s leading fire service organizations have released their 2026 “Issues of United Concern,” calling on state lawmakers to strengthen protections, benefits, and support for volunteer firefighters and EMS providers.
The agenda outlines seven key priorities aimed at improving recruitment, retention, funding, and mental health support for first responders across the state.
At the top of the list is an effort to upgrade the Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law to better align with workers’ compensation protections. Fire service leaders want improvements that could include higher weekly benefit rates for injuries, expanded mental health coverage for illnesses tied to service, and a streamlined claims process.
The organizations are also pushing to designate Emergency Medical Services as an essential public service. They argue that recognizing EMS alongside police and fire protection would help secure stable funding, require service coverage in every community, and improve access to state and federal resources. Supporters say the move would strengthen the workforce and improve response times, especially in rural and volunteer-dependent areas.
Mental health remains a major focus. The proposed First Responder Peer Support Act would establish or expand peer support programs for firefighters, EMS personnel, and other responders. The plan includes confidential counseling, training for peer mentors, and legal protections for support communications to address stress, trauma, and burnout.
Fire groups also want to expand tax benefits for volunteer firefighters and EMS members. Lawmakers are considering measures to enhance income tax relief and allow volunteers to receive both property and income tax benefits.
Another proposal would allow fire districts and departments to offer nominal compensation to volunteer firefighters. Supporters say modest pay could help with recruitment and retention without replacing the volunteer model. The plan would keep existing LOSAP and benefit protections in place under current guidelines.
County governments could also gain expanded authority to support local fire districts when resources fall short. Fire leaders say enhanced county-level tools would improve readiness, promote shared resources, and close coverage gaps.
The agenda includes a proposed amendment to the state’s Ambulance Billing Law to allow billing for mutual aid responses. Advocates say the change would help EMS providers recover costs and remove restrictions tied to mutual aid billing.
Finally, fire service organizations support legislation that would allow volunteers and part-time emergency responders to earn retirement service credits based on years of active duty. The proposal seeks to grant one year of service credit in the State Retirement System for every five years of volunteer fire service, up to a maximum of three years.
Fire leaders say the combined proposals aim to recognize the dedication of volunteer responders while strengthening public safety systems statewide.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].