The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) honored Sen. Monica R. Martinez with its Golden Trumpet Award during the organization’s annual legislative conference on Saturday in Troy, N.Y.   The recognition honors Sen. Martinez’s leadership and unwavering support of New York’s volunteer fire service.

Since joining the state legislature, Sen. Martinez has been a dedicated advocate for the fire service, working on behalf of volunteer fire departments and EMS agencies across Long Island and New York State.  As chair of the Senate’s Local Government Committee, she has played a leading role in advancing legislation to strengthen emergency response systems, improve safety for first responders, and support recruitment and retention efforts.

Her legislative accomplishments include championing updates to the Volunteer Firefighter Benefit Law and enhancing the state income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel.  She has also been a strong voice for improving emergency communications, advancing disaster preparedness, promoting lithium-ion battery safety, and protecting the health of 9/11 responders.

Sen. Martinez continues to lead efforts to modernize and fund the state’s EMS infrastructure and to expand property tax and income tax exemptions for volunteer first responders.  She also supports extending those benefits to the surviving spouses of volunteers who have lost their lives in service and ensuring timely implementation of such programs.

In her district, Sen. Martinez has secured funding for training programs at the Suffolk County Fire Academy and has prioritized investments in communications equipment and dispatch services. She has also emphasized the importance of recruiting new volunteers and improving understanding of lithium-ion battery fires so that departments are better equipped to respond to these growing hazards.

“The Golden Trumpet symbolizes a voice that rises above the challenges of uncertainty, and I’m proud to be that voice in Albany as an advocate for our first responders,” said Sen. Martinez.  “Volunteers are humble, but their heroism is true, and that is why I’m honored to receive the Golden Trumpet Award from this incredible organization and the members it represents.”

“Sen. Monica Martinez has shown time and again that she not only understands the challenges facing the volunteer fire service – she acts on them,” said FASNY President Eugene Perry.  “Her leadership, compassion, and commitment to New York’s first responders make her a true friend to every firefighter in this state.  It is with great pride and gratitude that we present her with the FASNY Golden Trumpet Award.”

Founded in 1872, FASNY represents the interests of the approximately 80,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York state.  For more than three decades, the organization has presented its Golden Trumpet award in recognition of individuals who go above and beyond in advocating for volunteer firefighters, particularly through their work in legislation, policy and public safety.