The New York State Senate has passed legislation (S.7914) sponsored by Senator William T. Stachowski (D, Lake View) that would release the Armor Volunteer Fire Company in Hamburg from the requirement that states that no more than forty-five percent of the company's members can be non-residents.
“In this economic climate, it is very difficult for some volunteer fire companies to recruit new members to replace those who may have to move out of the district,” said Senator Stachowski. “The Armor Volunteer Fire Company has had recent troubles sustaining adequate enrollment from within the boundaries of its fire district mainly because of this forty-five percent residency requirement. The rule has created a real hardship for the company with regards to staffing and ultimately in providing adequate service to the community. Members of the company came to me to request a change in this residency requirement and I was happy to sponsor the bill that will now make it easier for them to retain their members especially since many of Armor’s volunteer firefighters who move out of the actual district are still willing to continue their service there.”
The bill will now be sent to the Governor for his approval.
