The Schenectady County Legislature presented awards to emergency responders throughout the County to honor them for their contributions to the community. The awardees were nominated by their respective departments.
“The crucial work of fire and EMS workers is too often taken for granted, as their selfless dedication to public safety and the well-being of our community is frequently overlooked until we find ourselves in need of the vital services they provide,” said Anthony Jasenski, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “Our Fire and EMS Awards are just one way that we express our appreciation for those who answer the urgent call to service. While we can never thank them enough, in addition to this recognition, our gratitude extends further through a property tax exemption for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, a gesture we expanded earlier this year to its maximum allowable limit, to acknowledge their invaluable contributions to our community.”
“Fire and EMS workers provide play a vital role in our communities, delivering essential services that are integral to our first responder network,” said Schenectady County Legislator Tom Constantine, Chair of the Public Safety & Firefighting Committee. “Tonight, we congratulate the award winners for their outstanding service to our communities that goes above and beyond. And every day we are thankful to all our friends and neighbors who serve as firefighters and EMS workers, whether professional or volunteer. Their selfless dedication to our safety and well-being makes our community a better place to live.”
Awardees
Chief Officer of the Year: Dale Lingenfelter, Niskayuna Fire District 1 Fire Department
Fire Officer of the Year: Jeremiah Rodd, Scotia Fire Department
Firefighter of the Year: Cassandra Coppola, Alplaus Fire Department
EMS ALS Provider: Kaleb Nickel, Rotterdam EMS
EMS BLS Provider: Carl Logan, Rotterdam EMS
Become a Volunteer Firefighter or EMS Worker
Volunteer fire departments depend on members of the community to help during times of crisis. While firefighters and EMS workers are the primary emergency responders for many neighborhoods throughout Schenectady County, there are many other volunteer opportunities available to help departments respond to fire alarms, rescue and medical calls, and help their communities through environmental and natural disasters. Learn more about becoming a volunteer firefighter or EMS worker in Schenectady County at www.schenectadycountyny.gov/emo/volunteer-firefighter.
Property Tax Exemption for Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Workers
Earlier this year the Legislature expanded the County’s property tax exemption to the maximum allowed for members of volunteer fire departments and volunteer ambulance services with a minimum of two years of service.
Eligible volunteers can now receive an exemption on their Schenectady County property taxes for 10% of the total assessed value of their primary residence. Applications for the exemption can be filed with the local assessor and must be received by March 1, 2024 to be eligible for the expanded property tax exemption starting in January 2025. Applications and additional information about the exemption is available at www.schenectadycountyny.gov/fire-exemption.
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