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ROCHESTER, N.Y. — State lawmakers are working to solve New York’s volunteer firefighter shortage.
The bill would let local governments establish stipend programs for their volunteer firefighters.
In March, fire officials spoke in Albany over what they’re calling a public safety crisis due to a decrease in people volunteering at fire departments in New York State.
News10NBC previously spoke with the Spencerport Fire District, who said its membership is 20-30% below what’s expected.
We also spoke to the Brockport Fire District, who said it was having trouble getting enough staff to train new volunteers.
READ MORE: Rising recruitment challenges hit Spencerport Fire District as volunteer rates plummet (March 3)
The bill would also let the Office of Fire Prevention and Control in the state’s Homeland Security Division provide money for the stipend programs.
Fire officials said nearly half a dozen firehouses across the state shut down last year because of a lack of volunteers. They also said there have been “alarming incidents” in which fire companies have gone unmanned because of a lack of volunteer staffing.
READ MORE: NY State fire officials set to speak as fire department volunteering hits a 40-year low (March 4)
Click here to read more about the bill.
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