Bill > S07554

This bill amends the General Municipal Law to allow political subdivisions (like towns or counties) that contract for fire protection services from a special fire company to also jointly establish a service award program with political subdivisions that contract for ambulance services from the same fire company. A service award program is a type of benefit or retirement-like compensation for volunteer firefighters who provide critical emergency services. The bill modifies existing law to explicitly include ambulance services alongside fire protection services when establishing these programs. Specifically, the bill requires that every political subdivision contracting with the fire company must agree to join the program, with at least 60% approval from each governing board and a separate voter approval in each subdivision. If a political subdivision stops contracting for fire or ambulance services from the special fire company, it will automatically withdraw from the service award program. The goal appears to be providing more flexibility and comprehensive benefits for volunteer emergency service providers, recognizing the interrelated nature of fire and ambulance services in many communities.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7554