Skip to Content.
Sympa Menu

msar-riders - Re: [MSAR] CA SAR coverage option

msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org

Subject: Mounted search and rescue

List archive

Chronological Thread  
  • From: "IRVIN LICHTENSTEIN" <ilichten1@verizon.net>
  • To: "'Mounted search and rescue'" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] CA SAR coverage option
  • Date: Thu, 12 Oct 2006 09:43:23 -0400

In many states SAR is either independent or under Fire/Rescue volunteer
services. This is because cops get paid in most jurisdictions and fire
doesn't.

Some benefits depend on whether you a member of a bone fide emergency
response group. The federal PSODB covers fire and rescue personnel as well
as cops but you must be a member of a response organization on duty or
within hours afterward for some cardiac incidents. In Pennsylvania the
state provides a similar benefit to fire, EMS, Guard, and Reserve personnel
on active duty and adds college tuition for kids. Workman's Comp is
required by law and is provided by the municipality where the organization
is resident. Other insurances may be provided by the organization or in the
case of volunteer fire companies by a municipality based Fireman's Relief
Association which receives a state tax on fire insurance premiums collected
by out of state insurance companies for this purpose. The relief association
is based on municipal boundaries because some towns have more than one fire
company serving them. Where there are career personnel the tax is used as
part of the town's contribution to the pension fund.

The IRS allows you to deduct the cost of volunteering in an organized
response group. This would include travel, tuition, books, maintaining or
obtaining personal protective equipment, purchasing or maintaining
specialized equipment. In short, you can deduct your horse and trailer, and
possibly the haul vehicle, depending on fraction of use.

Various states have other programs. Maryland has a pension plan for
volunteer fire and rescue based on activity points. There is also a tax
credit based on activity. Pennsylvania uses the federal return for state
taxes and so indirectly recognizes your expenses. The PA legislature is
considering a tax credit and pension qualification based on activity,
including training and drilling as well as actual calls. Pennsylvania also
subsidizes training through regional centers.

But in all cases the individual must be a member of a recognized response
organization. This means having dispatch services and procedures in place
with the local EOC/PSAP/ 9-1-1 center. It means having infrastructure to
support operations in the field. It means complying with state and municipal
statutes.

In those states where volunteers provide the protection there is usually a
county and state association that may provide some benefits or eligibility
for group plans and political clout. This will vary with the level of
protection provided. In PA where 92% of the fire rescue is volunteer there
is a lot of clout.

Irv Lichtenstein





Archive powered by MHonArc 2.6.24.

Top of Page