By Tom Steinert
The current law, passed many years ago in the state Senate, grants tax benefits to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers throughout the state. When the law was passed, however, state legislators did not include volunteer auxiliary police officers. “Why our state officials are taking so long to recognize the service and contributions of these dedicated volunteers is mind-boggling,” Levinson said. “By offering auxiliary police volunteers the same property tax breaks being given to firefighters and ambulance workers, you are correcting a blatant oversight.”
Three years ago, Levinson called on legislators to act quickly to amend the law, and now he is calling on them to finally get it done when state legislators reconvene next year. The amendment would give auxiliary police volunteers a 10 percent property tax exemption credit.
State Assemblyman Tom Alfano has voiced his support for a resolution of the issue. “These people are the ultimate volunteers, and passing this law would be a way of acknowledging their service,” he said.
Alfano said the issue would likely be brought up for discussion in the 2009 legislative session. “It’s certainly a priority for us in the new year,” he said.
There are nearly 300 volunteer police officers in Nassau County, four of whom oversee the Elmont community. Lt. Chet Collins of Elmont Unit 104 has shared his opinion on the issue with many politicians. “I’ve spoken to Senator [Mike] Balboni regarding the existing law, as well as many other state legislators,” Collins said. “One of our biggest advocates on this matter has been Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos.”
Collins also said that he has been working with Inspector Neal Rosenblatt of the Executive Auxiliary Police Board to get the legislation passed.
West Hempstead Unit 116, which serves the Franklin Square community, has several volunteers who welcome what they see as long overdue tax benefits.
If the law is passed, it would be up to individual municipalities to decide whether the benefit would be extended to their auxiliary police. Locally, it would be up to the school boards of the Elmont, Franklin Square and Sewanhaka districts to approve the benefit.
Business Administrator Robert Geras of Elmont said that his district currently extends tax breaks to firefighters and ambulance workers, and if the law is passed, he is sure the school district would give the tax breaks to police as well.
In Franklin Square, which also provides tax credits to firefighters and ambulance workers, Superintendent Thomas Dolan offered the same opinion. “The board votes on the law every five years, and they have approved it recently so firefighters and ambulance volunteer can receive these credits,” Dolan said. “I see no reason why the board wouldn’t allow these benefits for the [auxiliary] police either. I hope they agree with me.”
Established in 1951, the auxiliary police is composed of civic-minded residents who work together to improve a community’s safety and security. Members of the Nassau County Auxiliary Police Department receive a 23-session basic course, and their instruction includes basic first aid and CPR, peace officer powers, critical incident response and hazardous-material awareness. More volunteers are currently being recruited.
“Not only do these uniformed and highly trained volunteers provide a deterring presence throughout our communities, they afford our police departments the flexibility to divert manpower to other emergency situations that arise on a daily basis,” Levinson said. “These outstanding men and women unselfishly volunteer their time to serve as the eyes and ears of the police department.”
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