Erie County Legislators recently passed a resolution introduced by the Minority Caucus, Legislators Joe Lorigo, Ed Rath, John Mills and Kevin Hardwick, to support bipartisan state legislation that would allow emergency responders to apply and receive state aid they are not currently eligible for.  Senate Bill S2770 introduced by Senator Patty Ritchie and Assembly Bill A8891 introduced by Assemblyman Billy Jones would classify emergency medical services as essential services for the purpose of state aid.

By classifying emergency medical services as “essential services”, several new funding sources will be made available to organizations.

“In order for volunteer emergency medical service providers to best serve residents, they must have the finances available to get the most up-to-date equipment. First responders are always on call and can be the difference between life and death. Proper funding is essential,” stated Legislator Ed Rath (R-Amherst).

“We have over ninety-four volunteer fire departments in Erie County. These are individuals that offer their time and often put themselves in danger to protect our community. We should be attempting to open up as many funding opportunities as possible for these departments,” said Legislator Mills (R-Orchard Park).