|
Firefighters: More help paying for training
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · January 29, 2015
West Branch firefighters appreciated news that Congressman Dave Loebsack is co-introducing a bill to give emergency responders up to $6,000 in federal tax deductions.
During Loebsack’s (D-Iowa City) visit Saturday to the fire department, firefighters then asked for help paying for basic, year-long training necessary for new recruits to become full-fledged volunteers.
They stressed that the increased demands of time and money for a community member wishing to volunteer makes it harder and harder to recruit help.
Assistant Fire Chief Josh Worrell emphasized that, had he to do it all over again, he would not take the training now that he has a family.
“It’s really demanding,” he said. “It’s very frustrating for a new member.”
Loebsack opened the visit talking about co-sponsoring a bill with Congressman David McKinley (R-W. Va.) that allows emergency responders to deduct $20 per hour for up to 300 hours of time devoted to responding to fire and medical calls. From that $6,000 deduction, firefighters in, say, the lowest 15 percent tax bracket, could turn that into $900 saved on their federal taxes, Loebsack said.
“That’s probably the maximum we’re able to do right now,” he said. “Maybe it will help recruitment. Every little bit helps.”
“Yep,” many of the firefighters responded, with many others nodding in agreement.
Loebsack added it may also help small business owners who close the store when responding to the siren.
Firefighter Craig Cochran agreed, gesturing toward Fire Chief Kevin Stoolman, who runs an automobile repair shop.
“They’re gone sometimes half a day,” Cochran said.
Stoolman added that while West Branch has 33 of its 35 firefighter slots filled, only two or three work in the city or close enough to respond promptly to a call. Cochran estimated that about 300 of the department’s roughly 400 calls a year happen during daytime hours.
The firefighters told Loebsack about the cadet program that many high school students used to get involved, attend training and, in many cases, eventually join the West Branch Fire Department. Firefighter Tanya Havlik-Smith said that though the cadets can only fill “gofer” duties, they are helpful at emergency scenes.
Worrell noted that the fire department pays for most training, rather than recruits, but it doesn’t cover travel expenses, like food and gas.
“We’re blessed by good donors and a good tax base,” he said, “but not all towns are.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
