Important legislation that will allow municipalities to extend health services and insurance to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers has been signed into law.

"This is good legislation that will help the brave men and women who help keep our neighborhoods safe," Senator Craig M. Johnson (D-Port Washington) said. "This bill will help give many first responders the piece of mind to continue with this dangerous and selfless work."

The bill (S.5111), which passed the Senate in February, will allow volunteers — many of whom are without insurance or paying very expensive premiums — to receive affordable coverage through their municipality, including those local governmental entities offering their employers health insurance through the New York State Health Insurance Plan (NYSHIP). Currently, NYSHIP is offered in approximately 900 municipalities across the state.

Volunteer firefighters make up the largest number of firefighters in New York State, and according to the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control, in 2009 there were approximately 96,000 volunteer firefighters in New York State compared to 18,500 career firefighters.

"This is beneficial to volunteers throughout the state to be part of a group policy," Port Washington Fire Department Chief Tom McDonough said about the law, which takes effect immediately. "And here in Nassau County, with the property values, rent and taxes as high as they are compared to other areas, allowing the volunteer firefighters and EMS responders to purchase health insurance at a lower rate will help to retain our personnel."