Senator Nozzolio Joins with FASNY to Promote Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment Weekend

New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio, along with the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), recently announced FASNY’s annual “Recruit NY Weekend,” which is a statewide initiative to promote the recruitment of volunteer firefighters. Senator Nozzolio also announced that the recently adopted New York State Budget includes $250,000 in funding, that he fought to secure, to assist in the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters. 

“The bravery and selflessness of New York’s volunteer firefighters is unparalleled,” said Senator Nozzolio. “Not only do they risk their own lives to protect the safety and welfare of the people in their local communities, they do so on a totally volunteer basis. Their personal commitment of time, energy and the sacrifices they make, save New York State taxpayers millions of dollars each year and is to be commended.”

The 2016 FASNY Recruitment Drive will take place, Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24. The Drive highlights the need for volunteers, as well as the benefits of becoming a volunteer firefighter. During the recruitment weekend, many of New York’s volunteer fire departments will be hosting open houses to provide the public with information about being a volunteer firefighter and the potential benefits that are offered to those who choose to join. For more information regarding Recruit NY Weekend, please visit www.recruitny.org.

The FASNY organization has endorsed and is supporting the Senator’s legislation to expand the Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law. Specifically, Senator Nozzolio’s legislation would extend the coverage to include cancer of the digestive, hematological, lymphatic, urinary, prostate, neurological, breast and reproductive systems. The bill was enacted in the Senate during the 2015 Legislative Session but has stalled in the New York State Assembly.

“My legislation would provide greatly needed presumptive cancer coverage to the over 100,000 volunteer firefighters in New York State who are at a significantly higher risk for cancers due to their exposure to carcinogens and other deadly toxins,” said Senator Nozzolio. “My constituent, Matthew Foe of Geneva, a volunteer fireman for over 20 years, passed away at the age of 40 after battling brain cancer. This measure would ensure that devoted volunteers, like Matthew, who sacrifice their safety and well-being to protect all of us, would not be neglected when facing a cancer diagnosis.”