Benefits for volunteer first responders included in appropriations bill

Provisions from the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA) were included in the final appropriations agreement, which passed in the House this week.

The Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act would allow communities to provide volunteer firefighters and EMS workers with up to $600 per year of property tax reductions or other incentives. This bill would ease the administrative burden that local departments sometimes face when they reward their volunteers with minor benefits. It would also bolster the recruitment and retention of firefighters and EMS workers.

“Across our nation, volunteer firefighters play a critical role in helping to ensure the safety of our communities and the well-being of our neighbors. Maine is largely a rural state, and more than 90 percent of firefighters are volunteers,” said U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), the bill’s sponsor, who is co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “Without these public-spirited citizens, many smaller communities would be unable to provide firefighting and other emergency services at all.”

The bill was co-sponsored by Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD). It now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

“Local communities depend on the public service of volunteer firefighters to stay safe and secure. These modest changes will make it easier for communities across Maryland and nationwide to recruit and retain the bravest men and women who are ready to defend against whatever might come next,” Cardin said. “Protecting our communities from harm is one of the most basic functions of government, and I am proud to partner with Senator Collins on this bipartisan effort.”