Skoufis Bill Protecting Firefighter Pensions and Promoting Fire Education Unanimously Passes Senate

**PRESS RELEASE**

Skoufis Bill Protecting Firefighter Pensions and Promoting Fire Education Unanimously Passes Senate

A bill introduced by Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) unanimously passed in the State Senate this week. The bill focuses on protecting firefighter pensions and promoting fire education.

S4134 amends retirement and social security law by authorizing retired firefighters to be employed as instructors of fire sciences without any cuts into their pension. These committed individuals possess the guidance, skills, and experience, which make them an exceptional resource of knowledge.

“We should not be restricting highly qualified retired public employees from being employed as fire science instructors,” said Senator Skoufis. “Retired firefighters who’ve spent their career dedicated to keeping communities safe should not be penalized by wanting to help educate the next generation of firefighters. This bill protects those individuals from losing any of their pension.”

“The passage of this legislation benefits the entire New York State fire service while improving the safety of all New Yorkers,” said Steven E. Klein, President of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York. “Quality training is critical in protecting both the fire service and members of the public. This bill ensures that firefighters have access to the best instructors available, who will be able to contribute to the public’s safety without worrying about their own finances. FASNY applauds State Senator Skoufis for his leadership on this issue and urges the Assembly to join with their State Senate colleagues in passing this legislation.”

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