Last night the Schenectady County Legislature presented awards to volunteer emergency responders throughout the County to honor them for their contributions to the community. The awardees were nominated by their respective departments.
“First responders are the backbone of community, always ready to step up during emergencies and keep us safe,” said Schenectady County Legislator Anthony Jasenski, Chair of the Firefighting and EMS Committee. “We are proud to honor these outstanding volunteers who go above and beyond to protect our residents every day.”
Awardees
Fire Chief Officer of the Year: Craig Myers, Glenville Hill Fire District No. 8
Fire Officer of the Year: Daniel Herrgesell, Niskayuna Fire District 2
EMS BLS Provider: John Lawyer, Delanson Fire Company
Supporting Local First Responders
Schenectady County Property Tax Exemption
In 2023, the Legislature passed Local Law No. 1-2023, which 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.
Over 180 applications were received by the March 1, 2024 deadline to be eligible for the expanded property tax exemption starting in January 2025. Learn more at https://www.schenectadycountyny.gov/legislature/firefighter-tax-exemption.
Schenectady County Fire Service Improvement Grant Fund
In 2023, the County Legislature awarded 22 volunteer and combined fire departments with a total of $440,000 in grant funding, an increase in their annual $50,000 appropriation to the County’s Fire Service Improvement Grant Fund. The Legislature awarded over $200,000 in additional funding to local departments from 2019-2022 through the grant, which was created to enhance the departments’ capabilities in response to the impact and magnitude of unusual storms, natural disasters, and every day responses have on their resources.
Supporting Local EMS
In 2022, the County Legislature granted $50,000 to the Duanesburg Volunteer Ambulance Corps (DVAC) and $150,000 to Rotterdam Emergency Medical Services (REMS) to help cover expenses incurred due to the pandemic.
Land Donation to DVAC
The County Legislature donated a tax foreclosed property to DVAC in January of 2024. The parcel, which is adjacent to DVAC’s 130 Cole Road property in Delanson includes a house, is being used for administrative offices, training space, and lodging for first responders.
Become a Volunteer Firefighter or EMS Worker
Volunteer 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.
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