Grisanti works to gives volunteer firefighters and ambulance squads authorized absences

State Sen. Mark Grisanti, R-60^th, announced Tuesday the passage of S.6368A, which will change the labor law to make it an authorized absence for members of the volunteer fire department and volunteer ambulance squads when they respond to a state of emergency declared by the federal or state government. Employers will not be able to charge the time to vacation, sick leave or other excused absences.

The employee must provide the employer with a statement from the head of the volunteer firefighter department or volunteer ambulance squad defining the applicable period of time that the employee was called on to respond to the state of emergency.
"I am pleased that this law has passed the Senate and will protect those who serve as volunteer firefighters and ambulance squad members," Grisanti said. "The good men and women who assist their community in times of distress will now be protected in their jobs when they answer the call of duty.

"New York has experienced natural and manmade disasters from hurricanes to snowstorms to terrorism. Each time our first responders have been essential to the search and rescue of victims. The volunteering of one's time should not be punished or discouraged. We hope this law will make it easier for those with the will and skill to help to take leaves from their day jobs to assist us in our time of need."

Since 1954, the state of New York has asked FEMA to declare almost 60 major disaster declarations for everything from snowstorms to earthquakes to ice storms. In 2011, New York was hit by Tropical Storm Lee, Hurricane Irene, flooding, tornadoes, snowstorms and straight-line winds.