Senator James Skoufis (D-Cornwall) was joined by Assemblyman Jonathon Jacobson (D-Newburgh), Assemblyman Chris Eachus (D-New Windsor), New Windsor Supervisor Stephen Bedetti, firefighters from the Division of Military and Naval Affairs (DMNA), and representatives from the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) to advocate for the 25-Year Retirement Plan for Military and Naval firefighters. The plan was included in the Senate’s budget proposal and lawmakers and union representatives alike are pushing to see it included in the state’s final budget.

Providing pensions for DMNA firefighters, including those who work at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Orange County, equal to that of municipal firefighters is a matter of fairness and will boost recruitment among these essential first responders. DMNA firefighters face similar workplace risks as their municipal colleagues, yet aren’t currently eligible for the same pension benefits. The proposed legislation would grant firefighters a pension equivalent to half their final salary after 25 years of service, ensuring DMNA firefighters receive the compensation and recognition they deserve.

“There’s no better way to thank these dedicated public servants for their service than by ensuring DMNA firefighters are supported and fairly compensated for their work,” said Senator Skoufis. “For many of these firefighters, their duties extend beyond the airport or the base to supply mutual aid to area fire companies, helping to keep our communities safe.

Providing pension parity to our firefighters is vital and I am proud to stand with my colleagues, friends, and these brave first responders to fight for what’s right.”

“These firefighters put their lives on the line every day — not only at Stewart Airport, but at countless mutual aid calls in nearby municipalities,” said Assemblyman Jacobson. “We need to change the retirement requirements to reflect the demands of this intensely physical job. The State is having problems hiring new firefighters, and changing these retirement rules can improve recruitment.”

“DMNA firefighters have consistently worked long hours providing essential services to Stewart Air National Guard Base and in surrounding municipalities here in my district, all without receiving a fair pension,” said Assemblymember Eachus (D-New Windsor). “Adequately compensating them for their dedicated service not only will increase morale and recruitment, but it is simply the right thing to do. Uplifting our first responders and keeping our communities safe has always been a top priority of mine, and I will continue to carry this message alongside my colleagues right to Albany to bring back what our communities deserve.”

“DMNA firefighters are career firefighters who not only protect their base and airport along with the entire region,” said Senator Rollison. They face the same risks and deserve the same respect and compensation as their municipal counterparts. Anything less is an insult to their service. The state must do the right thing and include this in the final budget.”

“I was frankly shocked and surprised that DMNA firefighters didn’t already have a 25-year retirement benefit,” said New Windsor Supervisor Stephen Bedetti. “Stewart Airport is situated in New Windsor, and these firefighters protect New Windsor, providing mutual aid and cover for our volunteers. As a volunteer firefighter myself for the last 40 years, I know how physically demanding the job is and I’m hopeful this necessary benefit will become law.”
“We appreciate Senator Skoufis, Assemblymember Jacobson.

Assemblymember Eachus and the many co-sponsors and supporters joining us to advocate for fair pension benefits for state DMNA firefighters,” said CSEA Southern Region Political Action Committee Chair Christopher Vogel. “This legislation brings much-needed parity for them and will help recruit and retain firefighters. Being a firefighter is a physically, mentally and emotionally taxing job. Expecting them to do this work into their 60s until they can retire is unfair, especially when you consider that they’re the only professional firefighters who have such a requirement.”

Following the release of the Senate’s budget proposal on March 10, negotiations now begin in earnest with the Senate, Assembly, and Governor. A final, balanced budget is due in early April.