Study: Volunteer firefighters save New York billions in taxes

A new study has determined that New York”™s volunteer firefighters not only respond to the majority of the state”™s emergency calls, but also save taxpayers $4.7 billion annually through their services.

The study, released by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY), noted there were 80,000 volunteer firefighters in the state ”“ 93.2% of the state”™s 1,640 fire departments are either all-volunteer or mostly volunteer ”“ and their presence helps to keep local taxes and expenses low through the elimination of salaries, benefits and related costs tied to full-time professional firefighters. The report noted that paid departments would require a significant increase in property taxes to cover the costs absent with volunteer brigades.

“This report underscores the importance and value of the volunteer firefighting service to New York,” said FASNY President Edward Tase, Jr. “Without the dedication and service of the brave volunteers throughout the state, local taxpayers would face a significant financial burden to fund the type of emergency response they are accustomed to. Our volunteer firefighters train extensively to be able to respond to their neighbors in a time of need, and we are proud to do our part to keep this great state safe and taxpayer costs for fire protection low.”