Opinion

McCarthy Pushes for Tax Relief for Volunteer Firefighters and EMS Crews

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) announced her co-sponsorship of legislation to grant a $1000 tax credit to active members of volunteer firefighting and emergency medical service organizations.

"Our volunteer firefighters and EMS crews give so much to their communities," said McCarthy. "They invest so much of their time and are willing to risk their lives for the betterment of their communities for little or no compensation. They deserve this small token of our appreciation."

HR 934, the Supporting Emergency Responders Volunteer Efforts (SERVE) Act of 2005, would grant a $1000 tax credit to active members of volunteer firefighting and emergency medical service organizations.

"Many volunteer firefighters and EMS crew members spend their own money for safety equipment and training," said McCarthy. "This bill would help offset some of their costs."

In the last 20 years, volunteer first responders have decreased by more than 10 percent. However, more than 70 percent of firefighters across the nation are volunteers. If these trends continue, many fire departments will be critically short of staff.

"This legislation will help local fire departments recruit and retain volunteers," said McCarthy. "We must ensure our volunteer emergency responders are adequately staffed and this legislation is a step in the right direction."

The National Volunteer Fire Council, a nonprofit membership association representing more than 800,000 volunteer firefighters and members of EMS and rescue crews, has endorsed the SERVE Act.