Officials will continue to support the incentive in Bethlehem
A law aimed at making volunteer firefighter or EMS service more attractive has been passed in the state Senate, but officials in the Town of Bethlehem said while the law’s incentives are already in place in town, there are few takers.
Senate Bill S5111 would allow municipalities to extend healthcare insurance, including the New York State Health Insurance Program offered by many municipalities, including Bethlehem, to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers.
A Senate Insurance Committee spokesperson said the legislation is intended to clear up ambiguities in an already existing law to make it clear municipalities can extend NYSHIP to volunteers, and that it is not mandatory. Volunteers wishing to sign up for the municipality’s insurance assume all costs.
Bethlehem Emergency Management Officer Director John Brennan said the town began extending the option about two years ago, as soon as it became available.
The unfortunate thing is that we have not had any takers, he said. `It’s a double edged sword. The benefits that the employees of the Town of Bethlehem have are very good, and consequently that package when opened up to the volunteers is very expensive.`
Sen. Neil Breslin, D-Delmar, was a sponsor of the legislation, and said it would not only help firefighters already serving obtain adequate insurance coverage, but could help attract new volunteers in a time when many departments are facing thinning ranks.
`Some fire departments and districts are facing recruitment shortages, this law would assist in recruiting men and women who wish to serve their communities, and help keep health care affordable,` Breslin said in a statement.
Recruitment is one aspect of why the town began offering the option to volunteers in the first place, said Supervisor Sam Messina. He indicated the new legislation wouldn’t change the town’s position.
`We’re in good shape, and this doesn’t break any new ground for us,` he said.
Selkirk Fire Chief William Borger said the town should avail itself of every incentive to attract volunteers.
`Our numbers could use a boost, every local dept could use a boost in membership,` he said.
Slingerlands Fire Chief Craig Sleurs said that while he appreciates the option, none of his volunteers have a need for it.
`None of my members have gone forth and applied for it, because they basically have their own insurance through their own employers anyways,` he said. `It’s great that the town offers that, especially for people who don’t have good insurance, they could go through the town if they wanted to.`
Brennan speculated that volunteers who own their own business or would otherwise have to obtain insurance privately could find buying the town’s health insurance attractive.
Bethlehem is served by five fire departments and two ambulance districts, all volunteer, plus county paramedic and EMS services. There are about 500 volunteers throughout the town, said Brennan.
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