Ryan and Conrad announce new budgetary provisions for volunteer firefighters (Ken-Ton Bee)

State Sen. Sean Ryan and Assemblyman Bill Conrad secured $31.5 million in new funding for volunteer fire departments in the 2023-2024 state budget.

Of that total, $25 million was provided for departments’ capital upgrades to equipment and facilities, and $6.5 million was allotted for firefighter training stipends.

Funding for the stipends has been earmarked to provide $750, $1,000, or $1,250 for each firefighter’s completed training, with the amount dependent on whether the volunteer is a firefighter 1, firefighter 2, or an officer. This will allow volunteers to be compensated for the time they spend off work attending classes. The application process will be outlined by the state Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

According to data reported by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York, the number of volunteer firefighters across New York decreased from 110,000 in 1998 to 75,000 in 2021, which represents a 32% drop in membership. More than three-quarters of volunteer fire departments have fewer firefighters than they did 20 years ago – even though, in that same period, calls have increased by 29%.

These budgetary provisions are aimed at improving retention and recruitment rates for volunteer fire companies in Western New York and beyond.

Ryan and Conrad shared their announcement at Sheridan Park Volunteer Fire Co.’s station on Sheridan Drive in the Town of Tonawanda, where they were joined by department representatives including Chief Scott Plecha.
 

Ryan said, “Volunteer fire departments are essential to the safety of our communities. The individuals who voluntarily put themselves at risk to keep their neighbors safe are heroes, and it is only right that we make sure they have the resources they need to serve their communities safely. One of those resources is an adequately staffed department. After years of declining recruitment and retention numbers across New York, this funding will help incentivize more people to join their local departments, and it will compensate volunteer firefighters for the time they spend completing training.”

Conrad said, As chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Volunteer Emergency Services, I’ve had the privilege of speaking regularly with our volunteer firefighters, both here locally and across the state – and they have made me aware of the personnel shortages their departments are experiencing. It is a major time commitment, demanding great sacrifice and at grave personal risk, to serve one’s community in this capacity. New York State owes it to the men and women who answer the call, to ease the financial losses they face from missed work, and to ensure they have the equipment and buildings they need to fulfill their duties as best they can. I am hopeful this $31.5 million in funding will help volunteer firefighters continue their work safely and effectively, and draw new members into their firefighter families.”

Plecha called the budget bill “vital to the volunteer fire service. In my career, which is over 20 years, I’ve seen the volunteer fire service have ups and downs with members. But in the last five to seven years especially, there has been a decline in membership. The volunteers are so critical to our communities, we need everything and anything that can be done to bring membership back to where it was. We sincerely thank Sen. Ryan and Assemblyman Conrad, who are listening to all of us in the volunteer fire service.”