Niagara Leader

Watertown, New York – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today joined forces with local officials and volunteer firefighters in Jefferson County to call on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to rethink its proposed regulatory changes that could potentially close volunteer fire departments throughout New York.

Earlier this year, OSHA proposed a new safety and health standard to replace the current Fire Brigades Standard, introducing 22 additional regulations for all fire departments. These proposed changes include mandatory facility upgrades and heightened training requirements. The unyielding nature of these rules would extend to volunteer fire departments in New York, imposing significant financial and operational strains on these essential services.

Tenney has been engaging with volunteer fire departments across New York's 24th District. Her efforts have included events in Niagara County, Seneca County, Oswego County, and now Jefferson County, to address the impact of these proposed regulations. Tenney was joined at the event today by Assemblymen Scott Gray and Ken Blankenbush, Watertown Mayor Sarah Compo-Pierce, Chair of the County Legislature Bill Johnson and a representative from the office of Senator Mark Walczyk.

“Volunteer fire departments are the backbone of many rural communities, providing critical emergency services with limited resources,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “OSHA’s proposed regulations, while well-intentioned, could have devastating consequences for these departments. I remain dedicated to ensuring that rural and volunteer fire departments receive the support and resources necessary to continue their vital work."