Sen. Griffo recognized by New York State Association of Fire Chiefs and the Oneida County Volunteer Firemen's Association

State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-I-C-Rome, was recognized today by the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs and the Oneida County Volunteer Firemen's Association for his efforts in helping firefighters in Oneida County and throughout New York State.

At a ceremony at the Maynard Fire Department in Marcy, Sen. Griffo was presented with the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs Presidential Achievement Award. The award, established in 2015, is presented solely upon the recommendation of the NYSAFC president. It is intended to recognize special achievement that benefits the fire service or demonstrates outstanding effort by a chief, past chief, officer, or firefighter that goes above and beyond the normal course of duty.

“The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs would like to thank Sen. Griffo for his leadership and support in helping to move the New York State Volunteer Firefighter Gap Coverage Cancer Disabilities Benefits Act and other firefighter state initiatives through the legislative process in New York State,” said NYSAFC President Julius J. Leone Jr. “Without his support in protecting the firefighters of our communities, important legislation such as the cancer legislation would not become a reality.”

Sen. Griffo also was recognized by the Oneida County Volunteer Firemen's Association for securing $15,000 in funding for the association to purchase Nomex hoods, which are worn under firefighters’ helmets and provide a heat resistant barrier that protects the wearer’s face and neck area, and for working to obtain additional grant funding that will help with fire prevention efforts and school programming in Oneida County.

“The Oneida County Volunteer Fireman's Association would like to show its appreciation for all the hard work and dedication that Sen, Griffo has done for this association,” said Dave Glenn, president of the Oneida County Volunteer Firemen's Association. “Through his efforts, firefighters will have access to important gear and we can greatly improve our efforts in teaching fire prevention to children and others.”

Sen. Griffo has tirelessly advocated for firefighters and first responders throughout the state. This includes fighting for the passage of the New York State Volunteer Firefighter Gap Coverage Cancer Disabilities Benefits Act, which extends the existing Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law to cover all instances of melanoma, as well as cancer of the lung, prostate, breast, lymphatic, hematological, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. The Senator also has worked to secure critical funding to help fire departments purchase needed equipment, gear and vehicles.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs and the Oneida County Volunteer Firemen's Association,” Sen. Griffo said. “I will continue to advocate for and fight to ensure that these brave men and women get the equipment, gear and other protections that they need. They keep our families, our neighbors and our loved ones safe while risking their own lives. For that, they deserve our gratitude. The least we can do is make sure that they are safe from harm.”

###