By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – US Senator Charles Schumer has unveiled a new federal incentive designed to help recruit and retain volunteer firefighters.
Many volunteer fire companies in Western New York are finding it more difficult to recruit new firefighters. In Erie County alone, says Senator Schumer, the ranks of volunteer firefighters have dropped 50 percent over the past 15 years. Schumer says it's time for Washington to do something about that.
"I will be introducing, into the United States Senate, legislation that offers a $1,000 tax credit -- not a deduction -- a credit," Schumer said. "So, it's $1,000 off on your taxes, no matter what your income."
Schumer said the budget implications of such a tax credit would be minimal.
His legislation was welcomed by more than a dozen volunteer firefighters who gathered yesterday at the Cleveland Hill Fire Company in Cheektowaga. Mike Braun is chief at the nearby Pine Hill Hose Company. He said his department's problem right now is not recruitment, it's retention. He said the federal tax credit, if it's approved, would help.
"I believe it will, as a retention tool," Braun said. "It gives every man and woman who is a volunteer another reason to stay -- to get up in the middle of the night to answer calls."
Another issue affecting his department is the recent closing of the Erie County fire training center. Braun says he's doing his best to train his crew at the fire hall. But he said they can't replicate actual fire conditions, including the heat and smoke, like they can at the training center.