A guidance document is available for EMS Cost Recovery/Ambulance Billing. On April 9, Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law the 2022-2023 New York State Budget. Part KK of this legislation amended Section 209-b of the General Municipal Law to allow fire departments previously not permitted to bill for ambulance services to begin doing so for a four-year period, beginning July 8, 2022. NYSAFC and FASNY have provided answers to frequently asked questions in an effort to clarify fire department requirements and responsibilities. Chiefs and authorities having jurisdiction should also read the full text of the new law, included as an appendix to the FAQ document.

In partnership with PERMA, NYSAFC has announced an additional series of free emergency services behavioral health and wellness workshops. Participants will review the behavioral health problems that first responders face, then learn how to recognize and help members who are struggling with these issues. This important discussion is open to all first responders, including fire, EMS, and 911 personnel, and their families. Past Chiefs Mike Healy and Jared Meeker will present workshops in Albany, Chenango, Cortland, Madison, Monroe, Nassau, Orange, Schenectady, Steuben, and Suffolk Counties in the fall. Pre-registration is preferred.

Fire departments and county agencies or associations that are interested in hosting classroom-based programs or Regional Hands-On Training are invited to submit host request forms. The forms outline the specific host responsibilities and logistical considerations for each NYSAFC program. Sites are now being considered for programs in 2023.

Assistant Chief Sam Usborne of the Cazenovia Fire Department was honored as this year's recipient of the Chief Fred Singer Fire Educator of the Year Award for excellence in fire service instruction. Usborne was among the first responders recognized in June at the NYSAFC Annual Conference in Syracuse.

All members of the fire service are urged to be familiar with 988: our nation’s new three-digit dialing code to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

A man who allegedly stole a fire truck while first responders were at a call was arraigned on numerous felony and misdemeanor charges.

A fire crew was inside a home treating a patient when an American Medical Response ambulance crew noticed the truck was being driven off.

A firehouse and fire truck were hit by gunfire when shots rang out on a Bronx street.

Port Jefferson teens rushed toward danger on one of the biggest nights of their lives.

New Policy Statements on EMS and Monkeypox, Certification of Military Personnel, and more are available from the Department of Health.

New sites have been added to NYSAFC's Regional HOT event calendar. "Beyond the Basics" is currently scheduled for Erie, Saratoga, and Ulster Counties. "Fire Behavior On the Inside" is coming this fall to Orange and Schenectady Counties. "Flashover" will be held in Erie, Essex, Genesee, and Orange Counties. Sites are now being booked into 2023.

NYSAFC Individual and Department Members can receive special discounts on Lexipol’s services.

Annual Golf Tournament and Fire Hero Family Wellness Conference were held in May.

The 19th Annual Training Weekend will be held October 28-30, 2022, at the New York State Academy of Fire Science. The application deadline is September 30.

Richard Nemier of the Nedrow Fire Department is chairman of NYSAFC's Public Education Committee.

Acting Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh appointed John Hodgens as chief of department, the highest-ranking uniformed position in the FDNY.

Joe Franco, a Navy veteran and 27-year member of the Poughkeepsie Fire Department, has been serving as the department’s acting chief since January of this year.

Joshua Myers is Fredonia's new fire chief.

Michael Greco is the new chief of department, succeeding Joseph Ruggiero.

Kenneth Stull most recently served as assistant fire chief.

Fire Marshal Andrew Mallow will be appointed to fire chief, succeeding Joseph Martino, who will be retiring early next month.

Gary Van Voorhis served as chief for about 10 years.

Mike Combs retired in June after 11 years as chief of the Geneva Fire Department.

View the NYSAFC calendar of events.