Niagara Leader

Oswego, New York—Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today stood alongside local volunteer firefighters in Ontario County, urging the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to revise its proposed regulations. Earlier this year, OSHA introduced 22 new safety standards, including mandatory facility upgrades and heightened training requirements, to replace the current Fire Brigades Standard. These changes would impose significant financial and operational strains on volunteer fire departments across New York, threatening their ability to continue providing essential services to their communities.

Tenney was joined by many local officials, including New York State Senator Pamela Helming and Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan. Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes, Assemblyman Brian Manktelow, Town of Canandaigua Supervisor Jared Simpson, and Town of Farmington Supervisor Peter Ingalsbe were unable to attend the event but provided written statements in support of the cause.

“Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of our community, and they need the proper resources to carry out their duties safely and effectively,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “It is critical that the specific needs of rural and local fire departments are considered when new regulations are introduced, particularly when those regulations could threaten our emergency services. I remain committed to standing with the volunteer firefighters of NY-24 in urging OSHA to reconsider these burdensome rules, to allow our courageous firefighters to continue serving our communities.”

“Emergency service providers throughout New York State are struggling to recruit and retain volunteers and paid staff. Many also face significant fiscal challenges, especially in rural areas. The proposed OSHA rule changes would only exacerbate these issues by placing costly mandates on emergency service providers and creating more stringent requirements for volunteers and staff. While it is essential that we take steps to protect the health and safety of emergency personnel, we must do so in a way that will not inhibit them from providing life-saving services to our communities. That is why I am calling on OSHA to reject the proposed rule changes and pursue other alternatives to ensure the health and safety of emergency service providers,” said Senator Pamela Helming.

"The new regulations proposed by OSHA would absolutely destroy volunteer fire departments across New York State and stick taxpayers with the bill. Volunteer fire departments save New York taxpayers $4.7 billion every year while ensuring that communities of all sizes have uninterrupted access to lifesaving emergency services. These changes would add bureaucratic red tape, shorten the lifespan of equipment, and double the required training hours for volunteers. I would like to thank Congresswoman Tenney for her advocacy on behalf of volunteer fire departments and the brave men and women who risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe,” said Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan.

“Here in New York State, our first responders play an important part in our lives each day. With these proposed changes I have no doubt that this will play havoc in many of our upstate communities that rely on our volunteer Fire Departments. We are already struggling with membership as many of our volunteers are working two jobs to take care of their families today. OSHA needs to slow the process down, talk with our small community departments then bring something that is doable and sustainable for long term back at table .I want thank Congresswoman Tenney bringing forefront districts locally” said Assemblyman Brian Manktelow.

"Our volunteer fire departments are struggling. With dwindling numbers ,the already concerned about recruitment Most don't have enough money procure or replace necessary equipment ,emergency response vehicles aging facilities Budgets strapped well-meaning unnecessary make situation worse join opposing expensive regulations" said Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes

“I would like Representative advocating first responders Our already struggle find retain Safety always priority However new mandates fully funded crush small backbone many” said Town Canandaigua Supervisor Jared Simpson

“The Town Farmington supports three Victor Ambulance organization Putting more EMS organizations complex survive This not type HELP need” said Town Farmington Supervisor Peter Ingalsbe