East Hudson Valley News

Senators James Skoufis and Steven Rolison, along with other lawmakers and representatives from the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), are advocating for the inclusion of a 25-Year Retirement Plan for Military and Naval Affairs (DMNA) firefighters in the state’s final budget. Assemblyman Jonathon Jacobson, Assemblyman Chris Eachus, and New Windsor Supervisor Stephen Bedetti joined them in supporting this initiative.

The proposed plan aims to provide DMNA firefighters with pensions equal to those of municipal firefighters. This initiative targets firefighters working at different bases, including Stewart Air National Guard Base in Orange County. The primary goal is to offer DMNA firefighters pensions equivalent to half their final salary after 25 years of service, aligning their benefits with those of municipal counterparts and addressing fairness and recruitment concerns.

Senator Rolison emphasized the importance of recognizing DMNA firefighters’ risks and contributions, stating, "DMNA firefighters are career firefighters who not only protect their base and airport along with the entire region. They face the same risks and deserve the same respect and compensation as their municipal counterparts. Anything less is an insult to their service. The state must do the right thing and include this in the final budget."

During a press conference advocating for these changes, Senator Rolison highlighted the immediate relevance of the issue by recalling how the firefighters responded promptly to a fire in Newburgh the same day.

The legislators and union representatives stress that providing anything less than the proposed 25-year retirement benefit undermines the service and dedication of DMNA firefighters.