Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You.....

Ben & Rob at a Push Ball Game

This weekend, the entire state of New York is working together on something that not many people are even are aware of.  This weekend is “RecruitNY”!  This is a state wide campaign trying to increase the number of people staffing your local fire house.  Over the years, there has been a steady decline in the amount of volunteer fire fighters, and it is becoming very troublesome.  So, I’d like you to think about a few things. 

In New York State, volunteer fire fighters receive a $200 tax credit if you volunteer for the entire year.  So, if you sign up this weekend, you’ll have to wait until you file your 2016 taxes, but it’s still $200. If you are married, filing jointly, and your spouse is also a firefighter, BAM! $400 tax credit!!!  Mileage to meetings, drills, calls, etc. are also deductable expenses.  In 2014 volunteer mileage was deductible at 14 cents a mile.  Well, it doesn’t sound like much, and it may or may not add up to much, but as with everything in life, you get what you put into it.

Rob's 1st Push Ball Game!

Oh, you knew about those perks?  How about the fact that most Community Volunteer Fire Departments have some form of “Pension” programs? Now, they are not called pension programs, and each are different.  Also, not EVERY place has them, but most have something, and it’s worth looking into.  These are not going to set you up to retire to the Bahamas, or even Onondaga Lake, but they might be good enough to buy you at least one Friday Fish Fry every Lent and that is worth something, isn’t it?  Hey, how is that regular career going for you?  Well, did you know you can get another (or your first) college degree paid for by your local fire department?  That’s right!!  So, you are too old to join the National Guard, so join your local fire department!!!  Granted,FASNY says they “FASNY has recently applied for a new SAFER award and expect to receive a decision in the next few months.” 

Pitman's New Truck Sticker!

But then there are the unwritten and unenforceable courtesies.  For instance, your fellow firefighters will know where you live!  Imagine that you are just sitting down to a homemade meal of all your favorite foods that you’ve smelled cooking all day.  The pager goes off, and the address comes across the scanner, and it’s your buddy’s house.  You know, the one who was there when you needed help doing that nasty thing that one time, and they didn’t hesitate to drop everything and help?  Yeah, you are going to drop that hot potato like a, well, hot potato to get to him/her in their time of need.  Then there is that day that you get pulled over by Officer Grumpy Pants, who saunters up to your window and asks for your license, registration, and proof of insurance, and then realizes that you were the one at that fire that one night who had did that thing that made him laugh, and he let you go with a warning.  Oh, I’m not saying that you’ll have this happen, but when we were down state, we got our swimming pool filled for free because of the fire department!!  And you can also meet new friends and network with people who can do things you can’t, and that enriches your personal life.

Southwood's new Ladder Truck!

So, just like with all volunteering, by helping others, you will also be helping yourself.  So do everyone a favor and check out your local fire department this weekend.  There is always a job for you.  You don’t have to run into burning buildings, there are other things, things that are much, much more sane.  For instance, if you come to Southwood, you’ll find me in the kitchen with my debut with the Support Team!!!  I’ll be there, so come join us on Sunday, April 26^th from 3- 7 PM!  The Cub Scout Pack 156 will host a spaghetti dinner while Southwood Fire Dept hosts their RecruitNY Membership Drive!!  I truly hope to see you there!!! 

As always, I will work for money, but I am not for sale.  Meaning, I'll review anything, and I do love a challenge, so send me ideas and suggestions, but my opinions can't be bought.  I do take Paypal donations anytime at eaglemingoroost@gmail.com.