Volunteer fire service leaders across New York are urging lawmakers to take action as departments face a steep decline in membership and growing concerns about public safety.
The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) has outlined several priorities in its 2026 legislative agenda aimed at improving benefits, boosting recruitment, and strengthening support programs for the state’s volunteer firefighters. Fire officials say the proposals come as volunteer ranks have fallen to their lowest levels in more than four decades.
Leaders from multiple fire service organizations planned to highlight the issue during an emergency press conference Thursday in East Syracuse, where chiefs and firefighters are expected to warn that the staffing shortage is already forcing departments to scale back operations.
According to organizers, nearly half a dozen firehouses across the state closed during the past year due to a lack of volunteers. Officials say that if the trend continues, some communities could face unmanned stations or slower emergency response times.
Proposals aimed at recruiting and retaining volunteers
A major focus of the legislative agenda is improving financial incentives for volunteers.
One proposal would increase the state’s volunteer firefighter and ambulance worker income tax credit to $800. Another would remove restrictions that prevent volunteers from receiving both the state tax credit and certain local property tax exemptions.
Fire service leaders are also backing legislation that would allow nominal compensation for volunteer firefighters while they are on duty. Supporters argue the change could help departments recruit and retain members without fundamentally changing the volunteer model.
FASNY is also continuing to support legislation that would allow volunteers to receive retirement credit for their years of service.
Changes to injury benefits and safety programs
Another key proposal would reform the state’s Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law so injury benefits are closer to those provided to career firefighters under workers’ compensation.
FASNY officials say the change would ensure volunteers injured in the line of duty receive compensation comparable to paid firefighters.
The organization is also supporting legislation to expand mental health services for first responders through a confidential peer support program. Research cited by the group shows that in some years, more firefighters and police officers die by suicide than in the line of duty.
Fire safety and emerging hazards
Beyond recruitment and benefits, the legislative agenda includes public safety initiatives.
One proposal would create a sales tax exemption for home life-safety products purchased during Fire Safety Awareness Month in October. Supporters say the measure could encourage residents to install smoke alarms and other fire prevention equipment.
Fire officials are also continuing to monitor safety standards surrounding lithium-ion batteries, which have been linked to a rising number of fires nationwide.
A growing public safety concern
Fire service leaders say the legislative push reflects concerns raised by volunteer firefighters across New York as departments struggle to maintain staffing levels.
With volunteer firefighters providing the majority of fire protection in many rural and suburban communities, officials warn that reversing the decline will require policy changes and stronger support from state leaders.
Fire chiefs and other emergency responders expected at Thursday’s press conference say the goal is to highlight the urgency of the issue and push lawmakers to act before more departments are forced to close or reduce service.
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