Griffo Bill Benefiting Volunteer Firefighters & Ambulance Workers Now Law

UTICA – Sen. Joseph A. Griffo announced Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed into law the senator’s bill that will provide benefits to firefighters and ambulance workers injured while assisting at a scene before an officer in command is established.

“When there’s an accident, every second is precious,” said Griffo, R-Rome. “We simply cannot have volunteer firefighters or ambulance workers withholding critical help because an insurance company may not cover a potential injury. I thank Governor Cuomo for approving this common sense legislation.”

Senator Griffo and Assemblyman William B. Magnarelli, who sponsored the bill in the Assembly, worked with the governor’s office to improve the bill after the governor vetoed it last December. Specifically, the two legislators addressed the governor’s concern that the bill places an “undue burden” on fire companies or municipalities. Language was added that allows those entities to “opt-in” by adopting a resolution that grants coverage for those who are injured before an officer takes command of a scene.

“I want to thank all those who volunteer and ensure a timely response to fire and emergency scenes,” said Griffo. “I urge each municipality or fire company who provides coverage under the Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law or Volunteer Ambulance Workers’ Benefit Law to adopt a resolution at their upcoming meeting to grant coverage to those individuals who begin their fire and rescue duties before an officer-in-command is present.”

Griffo said he will be sending a letter to all fire companies alerting them to the bill’s passage and urging them to pass the corresponding resolution as soon as possible.