New York Volunteer Firefighters Housewatch Page

Courtesy of FASNY.Com

FASNY APPLAUDS ASSEMBLY PASSAGE OF LANDMARK BILL QUADRUPLING VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER AND EMS TAX CREDIT

Major Recruitment and Retention Measure Raises State Tax Credit from $200 to $800 for First Time in 20 Years


The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) today applauded the New York State Assembly for passing landmark legislation to quadruple the state’s volunteer firefighter and ambulance worker income tax credit from $200 to $800 — the first increase since the program was established in 2006 — while also eliminating restrictions that currently prevent volunteers from receiving both the state tax credit and any locally authorized property tax exemptions.

The Senate, a longstanding supporter of volunteer emergency services that has previously passed versions of the legislation multiple times, is expected to advance the measure again in the coming days before adjournment.

The legislation, S.6233-A / A.6790-A, represents one of the most significant statewide investments in volunteer emergency services in decades and comes as volunteer fire and EMS departments across New York continue facing severe recruitment and retention challenges.

For two decades, the statewide volunteer income tax credit has remained unchanged at $200 despite rising gas and tolls, increasing emergency call volumes, and declining volunteer membership statewide. According to findings cited by FASNY, 76 percent of volunteer fire departments have experienced membership declines in recent years.

“This is a transformational moment for volunteer emergency services in New York State,” said FASNY First Vice President, Donald J. Farrell. “Quadrupling the volunteer firefighter and EMS tax credit from $200 to $800 sends a powerful message that New York recognizes the critical role volunteers play in protecting communities every day. Combined with allowing volunteers to receive both the state income tax credit and local property tax exemptions, this legislation delivers meaningful, long-overdue support for the tens of thousands of volunteers who sacrifice their time, leave their families, and answer emergency calls at all hours.”

In addition to increasing the statewide income tax credit, the legislation removes what FASNY described as an outdated statutory barrier that currently forces volunteers to choose between receiving the state income tax credit and benefiting from locally authorized property tax exemptions. The legislation would allow volunteers to receive both incentives simultaneously, restoring flexibility for local governments and strengthening local recruitment and retention efforts.

FASNY noted that volunteer firefighters save New York taxpayers an estimated $3.8 billion annually in salaries and benefits alone, while replacing the volunteer system with a fully career workforce could cost as much as $4.7 billion annually, in addition to billions in capital expenses and substantial local property tax increases.

Courtesy of FirefighterCloseCalls.Com

All,
Just a reminder that tomorrow (WEDNESDAY APRIL 29 at 1300 EST) there will be a special webinar on one of the most important court rulings in recent fire service history: the Line-of-Duty Death of Lt. Garrett Ramos of the Sterling (IL) Fire Department. This single family dwelling fire and his Line of Duty Death resulted in a civil lawsuit that ultimately delivered a $31.5 million verdict against the city of Rock Falls (IL) — the largest Firefighter LODD verdict in United States history.

Brothers & Sisters:

This is not about the money — this is about the death of a Firefighter and the facts of what happened and how we can all learn from the facts. There are critical tactical, command, leadership, and legal lessons for all of us to learn. NO ONE responded to this fire expecting anything to go wrong....

This webinar will feature a candid discussion with the plaintiff’s attorney and an expert witness involved in the case.

THIS IS a free event open to all. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn what went wrong, why the jury ruled as it did, and what YOU can do to reduce the chances of something similar happening on YOUR fireground.

From Firefighter to Company Officer to Chief — this webinar applies to every rank — but most critically to every fire officer, acting fire officer and chief fire officer. Please block out the time and register. No cost. Just your time to learn.

After the Verdict: Operational Lessons from a $31.5M Firefighter Line of Duty Death

TOMORROW Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | 1 pm Eastern

REGISTER HERE:



https://tinyurl.com/5k362kmf

Please share this unique opportunity with every Firefighter, Company and Chief Officer you are connected with.

Take Care. Be Careful. Pass it On.

BillyG

The Secret List 4/28/2026-1300 Hours

www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

www.firefighterclosecalls.com

Courtesy of

FDNY EMS Division Chief Christopher Bilz, Rescue 5 Firefighter Tim McGuire, and Station 39 EMT Ryan O'Reilly were honored on Thursday at Citi Field during First Responders Appreciation Night



EMS Division Chief Christopher Bilz, Rescue 5 Firefighter Tim McGuire, and Station 39 EMT Ryan O'Reilly were honored on Thursday at Citi Field during First Responders Appreciation Night, where members threw out the ceremonial first pitch in recognition of lifesaving actions earlier this year in Queens and Brooklyn.

Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow first responders, the members were recognized for their dedication to service across New York City.

And to cap off the night, the New York Mets won!

Courtesy of FirefighterCloseCalls.Com

All,

Joint Duty Death Funeral Services for Walnuttown Fire Company Chief Jeffory L. Buck and Assistant Chief Robert R. Shick, Jr. will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Fleetwood High School Auditorium, 803 N. Richmond Street, Fleetwood. Not only did they serve in the Walnuttown Fire Company, but they were longtime best friends.

Relatives, friends and fellow first responders are invited to joint viewings on Friday evening, April 10, 2026, from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. in Fleetwood High School Auditorium.

Doors will open on Saturday morning beginning at 9:15 a.m. and there will not be a viewing prior to the service.

Final disposition for both fire fighters will be private at the convenience of each of their families.



Take care. Be careful. Pass it on.

BillyG

The Secret List April 8, 2026-0819 hours

www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

Firefighter Close Calls | Firefighter Close Calls is the home of the Secret List. The worlds most visited website focused exclusively on firefighter survival Firefighter Close Calls | Firefighter Close Calls is the home of the Secret List. The... Firefighter Close Calls is the home of the Secret List. The worlds most visited website focused exclusively on firefighter survival. FireFighter Close Calls is part of the FireCompanies.com network of sites.

Courtesy of

CAL FIRE is accepting applications for Fire Fighter I (FFI), our seasonal, entry-level firefighting position, statewide!

A Fire Fighter I is often the first step into a CAL FIRE career. FFIs work on the front lines responding to wildfires and all-risk emergencies, staff engine and hand crew operations, and serve communities across California during peak fire activity. It is physically demanding, fast-paced, and built for those ready to step up.

Apply by March 31, 2026, to be considered in the next hiring round.
To apply, you must:
➡ Be 18 years of age or older
➡ Have a valid driver’s license
➡ Be ready for all-risk emergency response and rigorous field work

Want to strengthen your application? Pursue certifications, complete relevant training, and consider attending a fire academy.

Courtesy of FirefighterCloseCalls.Com

The Chicago Firefighter that died in the Line of Duty at the fire yesterday in Rogers Park has been identified. Firefighter EMT Michael Altman, 32, fell from the first floor to the basement and was rescued within one minute. He was transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries earlier today. The fire was in a 4-story apartment building.

Altman, a member of Truck 47 in Edgewater, was searching the building when he fell through the floor of the first story into a basement room that was well involved, and suffered extensive burns.

Firefighter Altman was married and the father of a young child, with another child on the way. He was a 4th-generation Firefighter (with his Dad and Uncles on the job as well as his grandfather, who was a former Fire Commissioner in the 90's.

--VIDEO SHOWING THE BUILDING:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So3GAcpTZnk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKONSN40fEw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMbRzq471_I

-FIRE COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENT:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKvQhjenpiY

(TODAY'S PROCESSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs-kRCTgXto )

FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT THE ALTMAN FAMILY:

https://www.theyardfoundation.org/mayday/altman

Much more to follow.

Take Care. Be Careful. Pass it On.

BillyG

The Secret List 3/17/2026-1559 Hours

www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

Courtesy of

The Philadelphia Fire Department is celebrating its 155th anniversary today! We have proudly provided dedicated service to since March 15, 1871.

FDNY Firefighters react to 9-11 jumpers at WTC

*Rare Footage* Firefighters React To Jumpers On 9/11 #bodycam #911 #entertainment #sad #shorts Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Courtesy of

With deep sadness FCFRD announces the death of Firefighter Brandon Winfield on Thursday, February 12, 2026, following a brief illness. FF Winfield served with FCFRD for 20 years and was stationed at FS37, Kingstowne on C-Shift at the time of his death. He will be greatly missed.

Courtesy of Firehouse.Com

FDNY Commissioner Pushes Pay Parity for EMS: 'They are also heroes'

“EMS is the lowest-paid first responders in the city, and that is unacceptable,” FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said.

Newly minted Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore made a fiery pitch for EMS pay parity during a “State of the FDNY” breakfast, claiming it was time EMS is embraced “as an equal in the Fire Department and in the first responder community.”

“EMS is the lowest-paid first responders in the city, and that is unacceptable,” Bonsignore said at Thursday’s breakfast, which was sponsored by the FDNY Foundation. “The people staffing the ambulances deserve to be able save the lives that need them and still support their families in the city that they love.”

“We have to let them know that they are also heroes,” she said.

Bonsignore, the first openly gay person picked to lead the department in its 160-year history, spent three decades as a city “Street Doctor” with the FDNY. In her 31-year career, she rose to chief of the EMS division, holding the top post for three years before retiring in 2022.

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EMS
FDNY Commissioner Pushes Pay Parity for EMS: 'They are also heroes'
“EMS is the lowest-paid first responders in the city, and that is unacceptable,” FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said.
By Thomas Tracy
Source New York Daily News (TNS)
Feb. 9, 2026
4 min read
Shawn Inglima/ New York Daily News/TNS
FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore
FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore

Newly minted Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore made a fiery pitch for EMS pay parity during a “State of the FDNY” breakfast, claiming it was time EMS is embraced “as an equal in the Fire Department and in the first responder community.”

“EMS is the lowest-paid first responders in the city, and that is unacceptable,” Bonsignore said at Thursday’s breakfast, which was sponsored by the FDNY Foundation. “The people staffing the ambulances deserve to be able save the lives that need them and still support their families in the city that they love.”

“We have to let them know that they are also heroes,” she said.

Bonsignore, the first openly gay person picked to lead the department in its 160-year history, spent three decades as a city “Street Doctor” with the FDNY. In her 31-year career, she rose to chief of the EMS division, holding the top post for three years before retiring in 2022.

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Her tenure as EMS chief overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that saw the department’s EMTs and paramedics under tremendous strain.

She has no say over contract negotiations between City Hall and the unions representing city emergency medical technicians, paramedics and officers, but said the low pay has led to concerns about recruitment and retention.

Most of the 911 calls directed to the FDNY are for medical emergencies, so EMTs and paramedics are needed more now than ever, she said.

“Our call volume is exploding, we are up to over 2 million calls collectively in the Fire Department, in which 1.6 million are for medical emergencies. Everyone (in the FDNY) is in the game on handling that,” she said.

Currently, an EMT coming out of the EMS Academy starts at a salary of $39,386, union officials said. After about five years, their salary increases to $59,000. By comparison, an FDNY firefighter earns $45,196 right out of the FDNY Academy and can earn around $110,000 after five years.

Contract bargaining sessions between EMS unions and City Hall are expected to continue later this month, members said.

In her address to the FDNY Foundation, Bonsignore also said the department needs to focus on upgrading its aging infrastructure.

“We have to keep up with the city that is growing around us,” she said. “The FDNY is 160 years old and some of our buildings are 100-plus years old. Our infrastructure is not what it used to be, and we have to make sure that our equipment and facilities and vehicles — everything that keep our rescuers moving — are updated and ready for the next 10, 20, 30 years.”

Still, she noted, “If we got evicted (from these facilities) on the same day, we would still be the FDNY.”

Past Fire commissioners have always supported EMS’ bid for equal pay, but few rarely spoke out on the subject since they have no control as to what happens at the bargaining table.

“Local 2507 appreciates the Fire Commissioner’s sentiment, which also matches that of former Commissioner Thomas Von Essen, that the EMS pay parity issue should have been addressed decades ago,” Oren Barzilay, the president of Local 2507 said. “This year marks the 30th anniversary of the FDNY and EMS merger, and our men and women are severely struggling, which is reflected in our staffing shortages and response times.”

An FDNY spokeswoman said Bonsignore has always been a champion for EMS pay parity, which didn’t change when Mayor Mamdani named her Fire commissioner.

“We are modernizing our technology, our equipment and our fleet, but the most critical piece of FDNY infrastructure is our people,” the spokeswoman said. “We are losing seasoned paramedics and EMTs to other career paths and the private sector because the current pay scale is unsustainable.”

“While the Fire commissioner does not sit at the bargaining table for contract negotiations, we cannot talk about recruitment and retention while ignoring compensation levels,” she said. “I hope a resolution can be reached soon.”

(FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore)