Bill benefiting volunteer first responders signed into law

State Sen. Joseph A. Griffo, R-Rome, announced Friday that Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed into law a bill that will provide benefits to firefighters and ambulance workers injured while assisting at a scene before an officer in command is established.

Previously, volunteers who provided emergency services outside of their regular jurisdiction and were injured before an officer in command arrived on scene could be denied benefits covering their injuries, according to the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York.

The bill was sponsored by Mr. Griffo and Assemblyman William B. Magnarelli, D-Syracuse.

The bill was vetoed last year but revised to allow fire companies to “opt-in” by adopting resolutions to grant coverage to first responders who are injured before an officer takes command of a scene, according to Sen. Griffo’s office.

“When there’s an accident, every second is precious,” Mr. Griffo said in a news release. “We simply cannot have volunteer firefighters or ambulance workers withholding critical help because an insurance company may not cover a potential injury. I thank Governor Cuomo for approving this common sense legislation.”