Schumer Proposes Tax Credit for Volunteer Firefighters, EMTs

SERVE Act Aimed at Improving Recruitment, Retention

By Jaime L. Tomeo

Firefighters and EMTs from Roslyn out to Montauk gathered outside the East Farmingdale firehouse on March 31 to hear Senator Charles Schumer's tax credit proposal.

Anthony Nichols, the 1st Assistant Chief for the East Farmingdale Fire Department introduces Senator Charles Schumer.

Schumer's effort, the Supporting Emergency Responders Volunteer Efforts, or SERVE Act, would offer active members of volunteer firefighting and EMS organizations a $1,000 tax credit.

Senator Schumer addresses a crowd of about 100 volunteer firefighters and EMT's at the East Farmingdale firehouse.

"These men and women are the best of America and we admire them," Schumer said.

Modeled after Rep. Maurice Hinchey's (D-Saugerties) measure, this proposal requires approval by both houses of Congress as well as President George W. Bush in order for it to become an act. Under the SERVE Act, any taxpayer who is a volunteer firefighter or EMS worker for the full year is entitled to a refundable tax credit of $1,000. If they work for part of the year, they are entitled to a pro-rated amount. According to Schumer, a refundable tax credit means that, if the credit exceeds their federal tax liability, they would receive the remainder as a tax refund.

"It would be a couple of hundred bucks off on your taxes and that's money in your pocket," Schumer said.

Members of the East Farmingdale Fire Department. Photos by Jaime L. Tomeo

He went on to explain the necessity for the proposal. According to Schumer, enrollment of volunteer firefighters has dropped 28 percent statewide over the last decade, leaving many departments thinly staffed.

"We want to make sure that they are always here," Schumer explained. "We must do everything we can to stand by them and give them the support they need to protect us and keep our communities safe."

An emphasis was placed on the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighting and EMS personnel. There are over 10,000 volunteer firefighters between Nassau and Suffolk Counties, according to Schumer.

"You can't have a situation where the number of calls goes up and the number of firefighters decreases," Schumer explained.

Speaking of the SERVE Act, Schumer stated he would introduce the bill in Senate on Monday, April 4.

"It is well worth every nickel we spend," Schumer said. "We are going to pass this act. "We need to keep the sprit of volunteerism alive."

After Schumer finished, Ed Carpenter, the president of FASNY addressed the crowd, stating that the proposal "fits nicely" into FASNY's mission for 2005; recruitment and retention.

"This will provide for our volunteer firefighters that needed a shot in the arm," Carpenter said.