Establishes the "Vets to Vollies" program which encourages veterans or discharged military personnel to join their local fire department and emergency medical service agency.
Impact
The implementation of the 'Vets to Vollies' program may significantly affect local fire departments and emergency medical services by aiding in recruitment efforts during a time when many agencies face staffing shortages. By attracting veterans, who often possess relevant training and discipline, the bill is poised to improve response times and service quality in emergency situations. Additionally, the program could foster stronger community ties and enhance the role of veterans in local civic life, helping to integrate them back into society after military service.
Summary
Bill A05253 aims to establish the 'Vets to Vollies' program in New York, encouraging veterans and discharged military personnel to volunteer with their local fire departments and emergency medical service agencies. The proposed program seeks to create a collaborative outreach initiative that involves county agencies and focuses on potential volunteers with access to resources and benefits aimed at enhancing their involvement in public safety services. This could potentially lead to an increase in the number of volunteer first responders in communities throughout the state.
Contention
While the bill's proponents argue that the program will benefit communities and create a structured pathway for veterans to engage in civic duties, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of training and resources for volunteer positions. Some may question whether existing volunteer firefighting and medical service frameworks can effectively support a potentially influx of volunteers. Additionally, ensuring that safety regulations and standards are maintained amidst the increased participation will be paramount.
Same As
Requires the department of veterans' services to provide information on the department's website on volunteer opportunities available to veterans and to post relevant application forms that a qualified veteran can use to apply for volunteer opportunities.
Directs the department of veterans' services and the department of economic development to make available on their website information about federal and state programs available to businesses that employ veterans.
Requires the department of veterans' services to obtain information from the United States department of veterans affairs related to the county of residence of New York state veterans discharged from active service, in which county such veterans reside, and transfer such information to the appropriate county veteran service agency.
Renames the veterans' services law the veterans and military families law; renames the department of veterans' services the department of veterans and military families; requires the department of veterans and military families to provide certain services to military families.
Requires the department of veterans' services to provide legal and/or technical support to veterans who want to change their discharged status to honorable because such person was dishonorably or administratively discharged from the armed services due to sexual orientation.
Requires the department of veterans' services to consult with the office of fire prevention and control and the department of health to identify the most effective ways to provide useful information to veterans about available volunteer opportunities with local volunteer fire departments and emergency services providers.
Requires the department of veterans' services to consult with the office of fire prevention and control and the department of health to identify the most effective ways to provide useful information to veterans about available volunteer opportunities with local volunteer fire departments and emergency services providers.
Establishes a voluntary veterans' registry for the purpose of providing information on federal, state, and local governmental benefits, programs, and services available to veterans, and to link veterans with resources that can provide assistance.
Enacts the "veterinary care of retired law enforcement and fire service canines act" to provide reimbursement for certain veterinary costs to owners of retired service canines which had served in law enforcement agencies and fire departments.
Enacts the "veterinary care of retired law enforcement and fire service canines act" to provide reimbursement for certain veterinary costs to owners of retired service canines which had served in law enforcement agencies and fire departments.