Senator Johnson: Legislation to Qualify Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Workers for Health Coverage Passes Senate

Craig M. Johnson

February 13, 2010

The State Senate last week passed important legislation that would allow municipalities to offer health services and insurance to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, Senator Craig M. Johnson, (D-Nassau), announced.

“Our volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers deal with dangerous situations day in and day out in order to help their neighbors and keep their neighborhoods safe,” Senator Johnson said. “I am proud to have voted to allow these brave men and women this option to access to affordable healthcare.”

Senator Johnson said this act, (S5111) was also drafted in-part to help with efforts to bolster and maintain the ranks of our volunteer fire companies and ambulance services. Although the need for emergency services has risen, the number of volunteers has declined over the last decade.

“This is very dangerous work, and many who would like to join do not out of the fear of healthcare costs that could be associated with an injury,” Senator Johnson said. “This legislation will help attract more volunteers, which in-turn will help improve the safety of our communities.”

Individuals interested in volunteering should call their local fire department, or ambulance squad, or go tohttp://www.dos.state.ny.us/fire/firewww.html for more information.

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