Firefighters Travel to Capitol to Share Concerns Stemming From Proposed Pension Tier
A statewide coalition of the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association (NYSPFFA), the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, and the Uniformed FireFighters Association of Greater New York today travelled to the Capitol seeking the opportunity to participate in the ongoing discussions regarding the creation of a new statewide pension tier.
“Professional fire fighters are ordinary New Yorkers doing an extraordinary job,” said Michael McManus, President of the NYSPFFA. “Each year New York’s professional fire fighters respond to more than 1 million calls ranging from structure fires, to multi-vehicle accidents, to medical emergencies and confront life threatening risk during every call.”
McManus’ comments come at a time when many powerful state and local officials are seeking to bring a new set of standards for newly hired public employees.
“The state and local work force is comprised of hard-working, dedicated public employees that provide valuable and important public services – however, the civilian ranks, simply do not face the physical challenges and potential risks of first responders. That fact remains whether you are on the job today; hired tomorrow; or at some date in the future.”
Citing their continued willingness to serve, the fire fighter coalition has requested the opportunity to participate in the ongoing conversation that leads to a mutually satisfactory solution.
“As members of the uniformed services, we believe it is essential, that our voices are heard, and the issues that our important to police, fire fighters and other emergency services be considered and evaluated relative to their function, McManus continued. “At the end of a career spanning 20 years or more they have earned the