Law would give first responders a break

Warwick —The Supporting Emergency Responders Volunteer Efforts Act would create a $1,000 federal income tax credit each year for active members of volunteer firefighting and emergency medical service organizations. The legislation, authored by U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-22nd District) and co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Sue Kelly (R-19th District), has a two-fold purpose: to provide volunteer firefighters and emergency medical workers with a federal tax credit for their time commitment and service, and to be a recruiting tool for volunteer firefighting and emergency medical service organizations. The number of volunteer firefighters in New York has declined by about 30 percent during the past 20 years, according to Hinchey and Kelly. Kelly also is pushing legislation to clear the way for surplus firefighting equipment to be donated to local volunteer fire companies. Despite having surplus equipment in excellent working condition, fear of lawsuits has stopped donations to smaller volunteer fire companies. Local fire departments in need of assistance with the fire grant process should call Kelly’s Goshen office at 291-4100.