When Sarah Martinez answered the call at 2 AM last Tuesday, she had no idea it would change everything. The 28-year-old volunteer firefighter in upstate New York rushed to a house fire where she helped save a family of four. But three days later, when she tried to get treatment for smoke inhalation and a shoulder injury from carrying an unconscious child, her benefits claim was denied.
Sarah’s story isn’t unique. Across New York, volunteer firefighters face gaps in protection that leave them vulnerable when they need help most. That’s exactly what firefighter advocacy groups are trying to change as they push lawmakers for critical reforms in 2026.
These aren’t just policy papers gathering dust on desks. These are real issues affecting real people who risk their lives for their communities every single day.
What Fire Service Leaders Want from Albany
New York’s leading fire service organizations have released their 2026 “Issues of United Concern,” and it’s a roadmap for protecting the people who protect us. The agenda outlines seven key priorities that could transform how the state supports volunteer firefighters and EMS providers.
At the heart of these efforts is a simple truth: volunteers shouldn’t have to choose between helping their neighbors and protecting their own families. Yet that’s exactly what happens when benefit systems fail or mental health support doesn’t exist.
“We’re seeing volunteers leave because they can’t afford to get hurt on the job,” explains one fire service advocate. “When someone volunteers to save lives, they shouldn’t have to worry about going bankrupt if they get injured doing it.”
The Seven Priorities That Could Change Everything
The firefighter advocacy groups have identified specific areas where immediate action is needed. Here’s what they’re fighting for:
| Priority | Current Problem | Proposed Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law | Low benefit rates, complex claims process | Higher weekly benefits, streamlined process, expanded mental health coverage |
| EMS Essential Service Designation | Unstable funding, coverage gaps | Recognize EMS as essential like police and fire |
| Mental Health Support | Limited peer support programs | First Responder Peer Support Act with confidential counseling |
| Tax Benefits | Inadequate financial incentives | Enhanced income tax relief, dual property/income benefits |
| Volunteer Compensation | Recruitment and retention challenges | Allow nominal pay while preserving volunteer model |
The most significant change would upgrade the Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law to align with workers’ compensation protections. This means volunteers who get hurt would receive fair compensation instead of the current system that often leaves them struggling financially.
- Higher weekly benefit rates for injuries
- Expanded mental health coverage for service-related illnesses
- Streamlined claims process that doesn’t take months to resolve
- Better coverage for long-term health impacts from firefighting
Another major push involves designating Emergency Medical Services as an essential public service. Right now, EMS exists in a gray area that makes funding unpredictable and coverage inconsistent.
“When someone has a heart attack, they need EMS just as much as they need police or fire protection,” notes a veteran EMS coordinator. “Making it official would ensure every community has reliable emergency medical coverage.”
Mental Health Takes Center Stage
Perhaps the most emotionally charged priority involves mental health support. The proposed First Responder Peer Support Act would establish comprehensive peer support programs across the state.
Firefighters see things most people never have to witness. They carry trauma that doesn’t go away when they hang up their gear. Yet many struggle in silence because they don’t want to appear weak or because support simply isn’t available.
The peer support program would include:
- Confidential counseling sessions with trained peers
- Training programs for peer mentors
- Legal protections for support communications
- Resources specifically designed to address firefighter stress and trauma
“We lose too many good people to suicide and burnout,” shares a fire chief who’s seen colleagues struggle. “This program could save lives – not just the people we serve, but the people serving alongside us.”
The Real-World Impact of These Changes
These aren’t abstract policy discussions. Every priority on this list addresses problems that volunteer firefighters face right now, today.
Take recruitment and retention. Fire departments across New York are struggling to find and keep volunteers. Young people can’t afford to volunteer if getting injured means financial ruin. Older volunteers are burning out without adequate mental health support.
The tax benefit expansions could make volunteering more financially viable for working families. Enhanced income tax relief and the ability to receive both property and income tax benefits would provide meaningful financial support.
The proposal to allow nominal compensation represents a careful balance. Firefighter advocacy groups want to help with recruitment while preserving the volunteer spirit that defines these departments.
“We’re not trying to turn volunteers into paid employees,” explains one advocate. “But a small stipend could help cover gas money or equipment costs, making it easier for people to serve their communities.”
Fire districts would maintain their existing LOSAP (Length of Service Award Program) and benefit protections under this plan. The goal is expanding support, not replacing what already works.
Why This Matters to Everyone
Even if you’re not a firefighter, these changes affect you directly. Most of New York relies on volunteer fire departments and EMS services. When these systems fail, communities suffer.
Response times increase. Coverage gaps appear. Local taxes might rise as communities struggle to maintain emergency services with fewer volunteers.
“Every family in New York benefits when our emergency services are strong and well-supported,” notes a longtime fire service advocate. “These investments in our volunteers are investments in community safety.”
The firefighter advocacy groups aren’t asking for luxuries. They’re seeking basic protections that ensure volunteers can serve without sacrificing their own well-being or their families’ financial security.
As lawmakers consider these priorities, they’re weighing more than policy details. They’re deciding what kind of support system New York will provide for the people who run toward danger when everyone else runs away.
FAQs
What are firefighter advocacy groups asking for in 2026?
They want seven key changes including better injury benefits, mental health support, tax relief, and recognition of EMS as an essential service.
Would volunteers become paid employees under these proposals?
No, the compensation proposal allows for nominal pay while preserving the volunteer model and existing benefit programs.
How would designating EMS as essential service help?
It would provide stable funding, ensure coverage in every community, and improve access to state and federal resources.
What mental health support is being proposed?
The First Responder Peer Support Act would create confidential counseling programs, train peer mentors, and provide legal protections for support communications.
Who would pay for these improvements?
The proposals involve state funding and policy changes rather than local tax increases, though specific funding mechanisms would be determined during the legislative process.
When might these changes take effect?
The advocacy groups are pushing for action during the 2026 legislative session, with implementation timelines varying by proposal.
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