Tag: Firefighter Shortage

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. … more: New York Fire Departments Sound the Alarm Over Volunteer Shortage

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) has introduced the No Tax on LOSAP Act, a bill that would significantly increase the federal tax-exempt threshold for Length of Service Award Payments (LOSAP) from $600 per … more: Tenney introduces bill to boost tax-free benefits for volunteer firefighters amid NY shortage

The Bristol Volunteer Fire Department responded to 21 incidents in February, including multiple motor vehicle accidents, house fires, and emergency medical calls. According to the department’s report, firefighters assisted with three motor … more: Bristol Volunteer Fire Department reports 21 calls in February, urges winter driving caution

Geneva City Council is considering the sale of two city-owned properties to developers proposing new housing projects, with discussions set to continue at the March 5 council meeting. At a work session … more: Geneva weighs two housing proposals for city-owned properties: A closer look at the options

The Canandaigua City Council passed the 2025 budget on December 10, agreeing to fund a comprehensive public safety study but falling short of increasing firefighter staffing levels despite debate. The approved budget … more: Canandaigua City Council rejects firefighter additions, opts for safety study instead (video)

The Canandaigua Fire Department is urging the City Council to address its critical staffing shortage after a fire on Jefferson Avenue claimed the life of 98-year-old Saverio Campagna. Firefighter Adam Faville, … more: Canandaigua Firefighters Demand More Staff at Meeting Following Fatal Fire

State lawmakers are pushing new legislation to provide free tuition at State University of New York (SUNY), City University of New York (CUNY), and community colleges for active volunteer firefighters, EMS workers, and … more: Lawmakers propose free college tuition for volunteer firefighters, EMS

During National EMS Week, Senators Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) and Steven Rhoads (R-Bellmore) announced a bipartisan plan to boost recruitment of emergency service volunteers in New York. Their proposed bill (S9033) would offer … more: Lawmakers introduce bipartisan plan to boost volunteer first responder forces in New York

On Wednesday, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a news conference to announce her push for increased federal funding for local fire departments in the FY25 appropriations bill. She is advocating for a boost … more: Gillibrand calls for additional funding for local fire departments as costs skyrocket

Ten years have passed since a massive fire swept through downtown Ovid, destroying three mixed-use buildings and displacing several residents. The blaze, which occurred on March 18, 2014, resulted in over $750,000 … more: 10 YEARS LATER: Looking back at massive Ovid fire that changed downtown

The Ithaca Public Workers Coalition (IPWC) has been a vocal advocate for the rights and interests of local workers since its inception nearly a year ago. The group has recently demonstrated support for … more: Ithaca Public Workers Coalition advocates for stronger labor agreements, increased support from Cornell University

The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) is currently grappling with a severe shortage of volunteer firefighters, with potential consequences for community safety and finances. The association is urging … more: Volunteer firefighter shortage threatens local safety and town budgets

As the Firefighters Association of the State of New York pushes for increased funding in the state budget, volunteer firefighter departments across New York hosted recruiting events last weekend to attract new … more: FASNY keeps fighting for more volunteer firefighters: What will it take to fix shortage?

Hosts Nate Sharman and Josh Durso prepare you for Wednesday in the Finger Lakes on this edition of Finger Lakes Today! Nate and Josh bring you the latest headlines impacting the region … more: FLX TODAY: Gas tax holiday ends, latest on volunteer firefighter tax breaks and Damar Hamlin update (video)

Will legislation aimed at giving local firefighters and EMS personnel a tax break help with shortages? Volunteer fire and EMS agencies across New York State have been struggling to find willing bodies. … more: Will volunteer firefighter shortage disappear if they get 10% discount on property taxes? Probably not.

Renovation work that began in May at Auburn's AME Zion Church is progressing quickly. Tubman Park Superintendent tells City Council work is moving along The church, built in 1891, is the one attended … more: Renovation work progressing quickly at Auburn’s AME Zion Church

This year we're giving candidates seeking office in the Finger Lakes the opportunity to let their voices be heard in a special Q&A feature. If you're a candidate and would like to … more: CANDIDATE Q&A: Thomas Lyon, candidate for Canandaigua City Council

Legislation proposed by Democratic Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara would make volunteer firefighters exempt from jury duty. There is a shortage of volunteer firefighters in New York, and the Coronavirus Pandemic has made that shortage worse. … more: Pass on jury duty for volunteer firefighters? Assemblyman says that could help short-staffed departments Upstate