SULLIVAN COUNTY — Recently, volunteer fire departments got a helping hand as they continue to provide to their communities. 

Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D-Forestburgh) announced funding in this year’s state budget will be allocated for a new volunteer fire department capital fund. 

As fire departments across the state struggle with finances and recruiting new members, this new fund makes sure they have the resources to continue keeping their communities safe. 

“Unfortunately, the struggles of our local volunteer fire departments are not unique,” Gunther said. “Volunteer fire departments are struggling and desperately need help for capital projects and recruitment.”

Gunther went on to say that the funding in the state budget will allocate $25 million towards the capital fund for volunteer fire departments. 

“But it is not enough, the state needs to continue investing in our volunteer fire departments and increase funding for the capital fund,” she said. “Fire departments need help with retention, recruitment, and morale. Increasing state support is critical for volunteer fire departments. I will continue to push for more state resources for our local fire departments.”

The budget will also provide funding to create a training fund to pay for any work missed to attend trainings, as well as a college scholarship for volunteer firefighters. 

“I am just very appreciative of the Assemblywoman,”
Sullivan County Fire Coordinator John Hauschild said. “It is a great start and every little bit will help.”

Hauschild continued to say that Gunther has been very supportive of the volunteer fire departments. He reiterated the fact that this is a good start, but they continue to strive for more help in anyway possible. 

“Volunteers put in a lot of hours,” he said. “This money will help on projects around the fire halls and recruiting more volunteers.”