Nassau Standard

(ALBANY, NY) - On May 23, 2024, Senator Steven Rhoads (R-Bellmore), Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester), and a bipartisan group of legislators introduced a plan to enhance the recruitment of emergency service volunteers in New York. The proposed bill (S.9033) aims to offer free SUNY, CUNY, or community college tuition to active volunteer firefighters, EMS providers, and auxiliary police officers.

The Senators highlighted that the bill would serve dual purposes: incentivizing individuals interested in higher education to take on these essential volunteer roles and rewarding current volunteers for their service. The legislation would establish a statewide program to manage these benefits exclusively for active volunteers.

Senator Rhoads remarked, “In many areas across our state, our volunteer first responders are the lifeblood of our communities, putting their lives at risk to protect the lives and property of their neighbors in their time of need. This bipartisan legislation is a small token of our immense gratitude for their tireless efforts and sacrifices. By providing free SUNY, CUNY, and community college tuition to active volunteer firefighters, volunteer emergency medical services providers, and volunteer auxiliary police officers we are empowering them to pursue their educational goals and build brighter futures. This bill is also a powerful recruitment and retention tool to help address staffing shortages. With cost of living on the rise, many are put off or are forced to leave volunteer service to pick up a second job to pay for their education. This will allow them the time and resources to continue their vital work while achieving their educational goals. As a volunteer firefighter for over 30 years myself, I know firsthand that this bill will be a game-changer allowing us to attract and retain the best and brightest individuals who will continue to serve our communities with distinction.”

Senator Cooney added, “New Yorkers rely on the selfless commitment of volunteer first responders to keep their communities safe. With this bill we have the opportunity both recruit more volunteers these positions reward those already performing life-saving work proud join colleagues showing thanks heroes showing state making college affordable serving community can go hand in hand.”

Senator Martinez supported the initiative by stating, “Providing the opportunity for our volunteer firefighters EMS providers auxiliary police officers receive free public undergraduate education supports goals RecruitNY Rescue EMS reforms measure strengthen communities assisting those protect save lives every day while providing critical incentives which address retention recruitment efforts Thank you Senators Cooney Rhoads honoring service first responder volunteers working prevent current recruitment challenges becoming critical”

Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) President Edward Tase Jr., said: "Volunteer recruitment retention critical fire service across state well citizens communities serve Our 80 000 volunteer firefighters save New Yorkers almost $4 billion annually additional local property taxes through unpaid service communities To continue providing lifesaving services related economic benefits local cost savings need embrace new creative ways attract retain volunteers Providing free tuition all SUNY CUNY community colleges across state excellent example creative cost-efficient approach challenges face recruitment retention FASNY entire volunteer fire service want thank Senators Cooney Rhoads colleagues leadership important piece legislation."

Steven Kroll from NYSVARA stated: "The New York State Volunteer Ambulance Rescue Association pleased endorse S9033 provide free SUNY CUNY community college tuition active volunteer first responders look forward working Senators Cooney Rhoads enact groundbreaking legislation EMS staffing New York State crisis shrinking number EMTs Paramedics insufficient meet needs communities threat public health Data NYS Department Health shows number active certified EMS personnel declined 17% between 2019-2022 Many EMS services cannot staff necessary number ambulances resulting delays both emergency non-emergency responses With EMS agencies forced rely undersized workforce EMTs Paramedics feel stress increased workload We thank Senators Cooney Rhoads authoring bill incentivize many New Yorkers become volunteer first responders communities."