Legislation to Boost Recruitment of Volunteer First Responders Advances

By Vin Gopal

Senator Vin Gopal

Volunteer firefighters, first-aid and rescue squads and first responders are the backbone of our emergency services, selflessly embracing the responsibility for our safety, security, and wellbeing.

They save lives. They sometimes risk their own lives or are injured helping their neighbors. Their service keeps our property taxes down. However, towns across the state face a shortage of volunteer first responders.

As a member of the bi-partisan task force that was assigned with making recommendations to address the urgent need for more volunteer first responders in the state, It is gratifying to report that several of our bills to enhance volunteer recruitment have advanced in the State Legislature this month.

The Senate Higher Education Committee advanced our legislation to increase the tuition credit for active members of volunteer fire companies, first-aid and rescue squads from a maximum of $2,400 to $5,000 in recognition of their vital services to their communities. This bill would ensure that our volunteers have access to the means of furthering their careers by attending New Jersey’s county colleges, vocational schools, and technical institutions. By increasing tuition credits, we can provide critical support to volunteers who otherwise may not be able to prioritize their personal and professional development while continuing their invaluable service.

Under the bill, the tuition credit would be awarded in $1,250 increments per year of service rather than the current $600. The credit would be available for the member, their dependent children, and spouses. Active volunteers who meet the eligibility requirements and commit to serving at least four years will continue to be eligible for tuition-free enrollment at county colleges, county vocational schools, or county technical institutions.

The Senate Budget and Appropriations passed our legislation to provide a gross income tax credit to active members of volunteer emergency service organizations for use of personal motor vehicles in performance of active duty.

Based on mileage, the maximum amount of the income tax credit would be $500. If married individuals filing a joint return both qualify, they would be allowed a joint credit of up to $1,000. The Office of Legislative Services estimates that approximately 66 percent of active volunteers, about 47,000 volunteers, would receive an average tax credit of $350 per year.

Currently, New Jersey is increasingly reliant on volunteers to serve as firefighters and EMTs. That has resulted in a statewide shortage of volunteers even as emergency calls have been on the rise. While our first responders are driven by a desire to help others, affordability is a key concern for them as it is for all New Jerseyans. If the current trends continue, municipalities will be forced to hire paid personnel or regionalize their emergency service efforts at the expense of local property taxpayers.

As we tackle affordability head-on, these bills will make it less of a financial burden to volunteer for emergency services, less expensive for property taxpayers, and make us all safer.

On a final note, a shout out to the people we are honoring tonight during our Black History Month Celebration at VFW Post 1333 in Neptune. We will pay tribute to Red Bank Borough Councilwoman Nancy Facey-Blackwood; Long Branch High School Athletic Director Jason Corley; youth advocate Sascha Duckenfield of Freehold; US Army veteran, Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient Wilbur Martin of Neptune City; Darryl Speights, substance use and mental health advocate in Long Branch; community advocate Ralph J. Anderson of Eatontown; sustainability and environmental advocate Destiny Smith of Asbury Park, and William L. Phillips, a community volunteer from Eatontown.

They inspire us as living lessons in how a focused, passionate individual can have a big impact on bettering the lives of everyone around them.