Legislation and Funding
As part of the FireRescue1 Legislation & Funding topic, we highlight articles that will affect the bottom line of fire department budgets and operations.
Public safety leaders warn that the House-passed bill lacks critical support for upgrading outdated 911 systems, calling the omission a threat to emergency response and community safety
Kissimmee’s transition from 24/48 shifts includes a two-phase hiring plan for 49 firefighters by April 2026, funded by a new property-based fire assessment
The bill increases the SALT deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,400; it also creates a deduction for income taxes paid on OT earnings for individuals making under $160,000 per year
Firefighters left the station on Dec. 31 to respond to a car wreck; when they returned about 45 minutes later, their station was on fire
The four-year contract increased salaries by 9.25 percent; it also changed how healthcare costs are managed
Former executive secretary Gina Tombasco used a fire department debit card so she could shop for herself, her family and friends and go to the casino
Free tuition for an associate’s degree gives fire and EMS personnel an edge in rapidly evolving profession
The first two years of community college would be free under the proposed program
Angelo Reyes was sentenced for second-degree arson stemming from fires set in his neighborhood in 2008 and 2009
A Massport spokesman claimed the discussion and vote on the costly new jobs were held in private because they involved a labor matter
There’s always going to be something to worry about, but a new year does offer everyone a new start and new optimism
The firefighters’ union questioned the chief’s authority to reduce certain fines and the mayor’s participation in affairs involving a campaign contributor
The bill would establish a fund that would cover the cost of treatment and lost wages when firefighters are diagnosed with certain cancers
They said the men appeared as public servants who were relatively anonymous and called it a legitimate work assignment
Voters approved a referendum to shut the fire department; the city has a contract with a volunteer fire department
He allowed police to apply for and receive grants, while telling several fire departments they could not apply for the state money
The two are trying to halt $189,000 to remodel and add on to the fire station
After 26 years, the founder is using money from a reverse mortgage and his NYFD pension to fund the volunteer agency, and hopes to raise $125K to receive a reimbursement grant
Firefighters told council members it wasn’t a good idea to shut a station down and that they would be putting people’s lives in jeopardy
Two key pieces of legislation were made law by the efforts of firefighters; similar effort is needed in 2015 to protect our interests
After tax increases failed twice, the Washington fire department is laying off firefighters and responding with unsafe staffing levels
While some debate its purpose, this bill redefines EMS in the federal government, establishes grant programs and helps determine how funding is delegated
We can ill afford to whiff at an opportunity to give volunteer firefighters a much needed break and reward for their efforts
The judge said the provision doesn’t allow the city to prevent the union from seeking binding arbitration over a minimum manning cut
The bill would help bolster staffing by allowing them to claim a portion of the value of the services they donate each year as a charitable donation
Greg Brown was found guilty in 1997 of second-degree murder, arson and conspiracy and sentenced to three life prison terms
The trio displayed little emotion when the verdicts were read and left the courtroom without comment
The judge ruled there were too many inconsistencies with the testimonies to find the firefighter guilty beyond a reasonable doubt
Chief Mark Ladas and his wife are accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars, tax evasion and filing false tax returns
The charge was enhanced to a first-degree felony, punishable by five to 99 years or life in prison because he has a prior felony conviction
Patrick Kneisley, 23, is being charged with arson, malicious burning and destruction of property
He was charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm and second-degree reckless endangerment after he accidentally shot a friend in the jaw
If convicted of deliberate homicide, Markus Kaarma, a 30-year-old firefighter, could face up to 10 years in prison