AFDSNY Continues Efforts to Advance Nominal Compensation Legislation
The Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York (AFDSNY) is disappointed by the outcome of the 2026 Legislative session regarding nominal compensation for volunteer firefighters.  Despite the dedicated efforts of AFDSNY, the New York State Association of FIre Chiefs, the County Fire Coordinators Association of New York State, and many supporters across the state, the legislation was not enacted this year.

While this result is disappointing, it dow not diminish our commitment to addressing the recruitment and retention challenges facing volunteer fire departments. AFDSNY will continue working with our legislative partners and stakeholder organizations to advance this important issue during the 2027 legislative session.

Fire districts, along with towns, villages and cities that rely on volunteer firefighters are the governmental entities responsible for providing fire protection services. These local officials are accountable to the taxpayers and voters they serve and should have the flexibility to evaluate all available options and funding to meet community needs. This proposal does not mandate nominal compensation, nor does it require any municipality to implement such a program. Rather, it provides local governments with the ability to make that decision based on their own circumstances and in consultation with their volunteer members.

 The decision whether to implement nominal compensation should remain a local choice. AFDSNY and its partners will continue advocating for legislation in 2027 that empowers fire districts, town, villages, and cities to make that determination at the local level and ensure they have the tools needed to provide effective and sustainable fire protection services.