Volunteer fire companies across the state are experiencing difficulties recruiting and retaining members, and a state assemblyman from Niagara County is submitting several bills in an attempt to address the problem.
Assembly Member Mike Norris, R-Lockport, joined members of the Assembly Minority Conference, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York and others at a press conference this week in Albany to express his support for various legislation that supports volunteer firefighting.
“Our volunteer firefighters contribute so much to our communities. Not only do they save taxpayers billions annually, but they work tirelessly to protect our lives and property from floods and other natural disasters, support community events and organizations, and add to our overall quality of life,” Norris said. “I am passionate about helping to increase recruitment of volunteer firefighters, and that’s why I authored a new package of bills to help.”