Volunteer Firefighters Save NY Taxpayers Billions: How Can We Thank Them?

In the early 1990s, there were more than 140,000 volunteer firefighters in the state, according to the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York.

To put that number into perspective, that's equal to the total number of combat troops in Iraq at the height of the surge, or enough people to fill Giants Stadium almost two-and-a-half times.

But today, there are fewer than 90,000 volunteers. If taxpayers think things are bad in the currently sluggish economy, they might not want to think about their property taxes if those numbers continue to dwindle, experts say.

Taxpayers would have to fork out an additional $7 billion a year if the volunteer ranks continue to decline and towns and villages across New York are forced to hire career firefighters, according to a 2008 report. That's billion with a "b," and that figure is undoubtedly higher in 2011.

Like most other towns and villages in southern Westchester, the Port Chester Fire Department is a "combination" outfit, with a small group of career firefighters supplementing the heart of the department -- its volunteers. 

Why are there fewer volunteers?

It's an overall societal shift, according to studies. There are more two-income families where mom and dad both head to full-time jobs during the week. Work commutes -- especially in the traffic-bogged suburbs of New York City -- have never been longer. Some companies are no longer willing to let their employees dash off to fight a fire in the middle of the workday. And although technological advances have made it easier than ever to keep in touch, people are more transient, and relative newcomers are less likely to commit long hours compared to folks who have lived in a town for decades.

Government leaders, academics and fire advocacy groups have tossed around a long list of ideas aimed at making it easier to recruit and retain volunteers. Among them: perks like property tax breaks, free car registration, priority for affordable housing and limited health plans.

This year, as they've done for half a decade, a group of legislators introduced a bill that would provide some of those perks to volunteer firefighters in New York.

But while lawmakers cleared time for a number of absurd bills and were brutally mocked on The Daily Show for their rigorous debate on selecting a state vegetable, the Emergency Services Volunteer Incentive Act hasn't made it past the state assembly.

Concerned taxpayers and appreciative homeowners probably won't hold their breath for politicians to take a leadership role in reversing the volunteering trend, leaving some to look for more local and immediate ways of thanking volunteer firefighters and offering perks, no matter how small.

"The recruitment picture for the Port Chester Fire Department is looking rather good these past few months, steady growth and several people interested in serving," said Chief Kevin McFadden. "Recruitment is a ongoing process, we always have our doors open and welcome all."

Do you think perks and benefits can help reverse the decline in active volunteer firefighters? And if it were up to you, how would towns and villages express their appreciation for people who sacrifice their time and put their lives at risk? Leave your answers in the comments section below.

Interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter with the Port Chester Fire Department? Click here for more information on how to get started.

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