“Volunteer firefighters and EMS providers are called to provide assistance to those most in need,” he said. “We also provide many activities educating our youth. This legislation is another tool to help us provide the best possible service to our communities.”

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York also supported the bill. In addition to its use in screening new recruits, the law allow departments to remove active firefighters who have been convicted of sex offenses.

McDonough noted that if someone said no to a background check, that would be an immediate red flag. He added that the law would ensure that departments have access to prospective members’ histories, whether through a service that performs background checks or the local police department.

He said that he was glad to see the law passed with ease. “I think it’s a very good measure for safety,” McDonough said. “I hope it gives the public comfort to know that these people have been checked out.”

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