Past Chief Harold A. “Smitty” Smith Jr. passed away on September 4, 2024. A 60-year veteran of the fire service, Smith served as chief of Nedrow Fire Department for three terms and was an Onondaga County deputy fire coordinator for 25 years. He served on the NYSAFC board of directors from 2004-2016 and was a member emeritus of the association's Annual Conference Committee.

Rescue squads will now get reimbursed by Medicaid for calls that do not result in transport to hospitals, and ambulances can carry blood when responding.

The names of eight fallen EMS workers were added to the New York State EMS Memorial this year. The 2024 EMS Memorial Ceremony was held in Albany on September 19.

Commissioner Robert Tucker added the names at an event on September 4.

A bipartisan coalition of elected officials is pushing legislation that would make funding for the World Trade Center Health Program permanent.

The names of 308 firefighters from the United States and Canada who died last year were added to the memorial in Colorado Springs.

Nicholas Morosco passed away suddenly on August 27.

A firefighting unit, backed by local rabbis, has set off alarms for fire departments and government officials concerned about a possible lack of training that could endanger residents and property.

Lauren Rosolen bought her dream home in Putnam County. But like many communities, a planned battery project near her home is sparking new concerns.

State Police said the driver let the patient off while fleeing from Cobleskill. The impact in Schenectady critically injured another driver.

Two former chiefs in the prevention bureau allegedly solicited and accepted bribes.

New DOH Policy Statements Issued; Press Release on New York Adoption of NREMT Exams.

Reminder - the NYSAFC Communications Committee has developed a resource to assist fire and EMS agencies with pre-planning. Reference forms are available on the association's website to help members quickly locate interoperability radio channels.

FDNY and NYPD members follow in the paths of heroic 9/11 dads.

Joe Pfeifer reflects on the loss many face and how he copes with the loss of his brother and so many firefighters and first responders who died in the attacks.

Florian was created in Buffalo and has been used in various major cities in the U.S.

The legendary actor passed away in his Hudson Valley home on September 9. His dedication to community causes, it seems, was not limited to the big screen.

On September 14, NYSAFC Directors Kevin Kalk and Tim Boel participated in a ceremony honoring the Schuyler Volunteer Fire Company of Herkimer County.

Village Historian John Sipos presented a brief history during the 100th anniversary celebration of the department in Chautauqua County.

View the NYSAFC calendar of events.