Volunteer firefighters in New York save taxpayers an estimated $4.7 billion a year with their services, a report released Monday by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York found.
The report highlights the economic impact of the state's 80,000 volunteer firefighters in the state and the effect they have on saving tax dollars at the local and state level.
“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.”