Assemblywoman Nabs an FDNY Win in State Budget

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato was thanked by members of the FDNY and first responders when her legislation, A.5055, was included in the New York State budget.

A.5055 is legislation that would allow firefighters who previously started and served as EMT’s to obtain service credit for their previous work if they became firefighters. Prior,  members of the New York City Fire Department Pension Fund who had prior creditable service as an EMT with the FDNY were not able to receive Fire Department Pension service credit for such service. Their past service did not apply to their minimum number of years needed for a vested, early, or regular service retirement. That changed the other day when Pheffer Amato’s legislation was included in the final State budget. 

“This is a victory for our firefighters who wake up every day, run towards the emergency, and put their lives on the line to protect us. These are our bravest and it is beyond time that they receive credit for their amazing work. Having negotiated and advocated for this policy change in the final budget was the right thing to do for our heroes,” Pheffer Amato said.

President Andrew Ansbro of the Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA), the Union that represents NYC firefighters said,“The Assemblywoman’s commitment is unparalleled and through this dynamic partnership we were able to bring this legislation across the finish line. Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato worked around the clock to get this victory for our members and their families.” This legislation is estimated to positively impact over 1400 members of the FDNY.