The North Hempstead Town Board  unanimously passed a resolution last week to grant volunteer firefighters and EMTs a tax exemption of up to 10% on property taxes. 

The resolution opts into new exemptions for first responders enacted last year for firefighters or ambulance workers with at least two years of service to get abatements on town and special district taxes. 

“By opting into this tax exemption, we can help alleviate the financial burden placed on our volunteer first responders,” Council Member Mariann Dalimonte said ahead of the vote at the April 4 board meeting. “Our volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. It is only right that we provide them with the support they need and deserve.”

Exemption applications need to be made to the Nassau County Department of Assessment that includes a letter of certification on the exact date of enrollment and current active status within the incorporated volunteer fire company, department or ambulance service. 

“As a resident of the greater North Hempstead community for many years, I have seen firsthand the dedication and sacrifice that our volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers make on a daily basis,” Council Member Peter Zuckerman, who co-sponsored the resolution with Dalimonte, said. “They deserve our appreciation and support for their service, and I am thrilled that we will now be able to offer this exemption.”

Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said the exemption will be a tool to better help with recruiting. 

“This is for our firefighters, all of them in the Town of North Hempstead, and this is going to help their recruitment, retention and rewarding them for their service,” DeSena said. “We’re all very happy that we can offer this.”