Fire officials, elected officials talk legislation over breakfast
DEERFIELD – Local and state fire officials had a chance to share their concerns with elected officials from all levels of government Saturday at the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York’s annual legislative breakfast.
Top on the list of “issues of concern” presented: requiring passengers in fire and EMS vehicles to wear seat belts by eliminating an existing exemption, and allowing fire service volunteers to purchase cheaper health insurance through the same plans used by their municipality’s employees.
The morning meeting at the Deerfield Fire Department was attended by 165 people, including 57 elected officials, FASNY President David Jacobowitz said. Among them: U.S. Rep. Richard Hanna, R-Barneveld, state Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito, D-Rome, Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney, R-New Hartford, and 21 Oneida County legislators.
“It’s the one time we get that many legislators to hear our proposals,” Jacobowitz said of the annual breakfast. “When it comes to a vote … you don’t have to rely on only the few people who attend the Fire Advisory Board and have them explain it.”
Whitesboro Fire Department President Brian McQueen said a proposed $3.60 per year surcharge on cell phones in Oneida County also was discussed at the meeting. Surcharge proceeds could fund improvements to the county 911 center, including allowing dispatchers to receive text and picture messages from cell phones in addition to traditional calls.