Village Raises Benefits For Injured Volunteer Firefighters

VILLAGE OF MAMARONECK, NY — The Village of Mamaroneck announced on Friday that it is raising the benefits for volunteer firefighters who are injured while on duty.

Village volunteer firefighters injured at a fire (or at any fire department activity) will now receive $1,000 weekly, up from $650 weekly. The medical expense benefit will be raised from $15,000 to $50,000, while the death benefit will be raised to $50,000, up from $30,000.

"This is another tremendous step in taking care of our volunteer force," James Barney, Chief of the Village of Mamaroneck Volunteer Fire Department, said.

Volunteer fire departments throughout the state are struggling and desperately need help with recruitment. The village says that raising benefits is one way to help recruit volunteer firefighters who help answer calls during emergencies.

"Increasing Village support is absolutely critical for our all-volunteer fire department," Village Manager Jerry Barberio said. "I want to thank our partners at Foa & Son International Insurance Brokers for helping the Village create this benefits package for our volunteer firefighters."

Officials say that the village has also committed $100,000 per year to supplement and replace any lost wages when firefighters are injured in the line of duty.

"This is an important program to honor and support our all volunteer firefighters," Village of Mamaroneck Mayor Tom Murphy said. "It’s important to stand by behind those who stand between our residents and catastrophe."

The all-volunteer Village of Mamaroneck Fire Department has provided residents with fire protection for over 130 years. The department responds to an estimated 800 fire emergencies a year and provides professional services that are important for the safety, health and welfare of the community. These services include fire suppression, fire prevention, public education and other activities. The fire department operates out of five fire companies at four stations with over 200 volunteers. They also operate five engines, two aerial trucks, two utility trucks, three chief’s vehicles, and one fire boat. Residents who are interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter can email recruitment@vmfd.org. Learn more about the Village of Mamaroneck Fire Department here.