Volunteer fire departments across the Finger Lakes and Central New York are still looking for people willing to answer emergency calls, even as a state bill meant to help recruit and retain volunteers awaits action by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The issue was highlighted in a recent appeal from the Weedsport Fire Department, which said volunteer agencies are struggling to find new members as longtime firefighters age, retire or step away from service. The department urged young men and women looking for a meaningful way to serve their communities to consider joining their local volunteer fire department.
The local appeal comes as legislation passed by both chambers of the state Legislature would increase New York's volunteer firefighter and ambulance worker income tax credit from $200 to $800 beginning with taxable years starting Jan. 1, 2026. The bill, S.6233-A/A.6790-A, also would allow eligible volunteers to receive the state income tax credit even if they also receive a local real property tax exemption tied to their service.
The Firefighters Association of the State of New York said the change would be the first increase in the tax credit since the program was established in 2006. The organization called the bill one of the most significant statewide investments in volunteer emergency services in decades.
FASNY said volunteer fire and EMS departments continue to face severe recruitment and retention challenges. According to findings cited by the association, 76% of volunteer fire departments have experienced membership declines in recent years.
"This is a transformational moment for volunteer emergency services in New York State," FASNY First Vice President Donald J. Farrell said in the release. "Quadrupling the volunteer firefighter and EMS tax credit from $200 to $800 sends a powerful message that New York recognizes the critical role volunteers play in protecting communities every day."
Under current law, the statewide volunteer income tax credit has remained at $200 for two decades. The bill would raise the credit to $800 for eligible individual volunteers and to $1,600 for spouses filing jointly if both qualify. Volunteers would still have to be active for the full taxable year to claim the credit.
The proposal also removes a restriction that currently prevents volunteers from receiving both the state tax credit and certain locally authorized property tax exemptions. FASNY said allowing both incentives would give local governments more flexibility and strengthen local recruitment efforts.
FASNY said volunteer firefighters save New York taxpayers an estimated $3.8 billion annually in salaries and benefits alone. Replacing the volunteer system with a fully career workforce could cost as much as $4.7 billion annually, plus capital costs and local property tax increases, according to the association.
The bill would take effect April 1 after becoming law. It has passed both chambers and awaits delivery to Hochul for consideration, according to the source material.
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