Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C,I,Ref-Schoharie) is elated at the passage of an Assembly bill (A09779A) which establishes a task force to issue a report about how the state can improve volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention efforts. Tague is fighting to ensure New York has a force of firefighters at the ready in the years to come, as the majority of New York’s firefighting force is composed of volunteers.

“As a former volunteer firefighter, I can attest to the personal sacrifice it requires, and I stand firmly in support of this bill’s efforts to provide benefits and incentives to these heroic volunteers,” said Tague. “We expect these brave people to be ready at a moment’s notice to jump into dangerous situations, potentially missing soccer games, birthday parties and other special moments with their families. With all that our volunteers do for us, it is imperative we give back to them and give them tools to recruit the next generation of everyday heroes to keep our communities safe.”