U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) and Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) have introduced the Helping Our Heroes Act, a bipartisan bill designed to support volunteer emergency responders across the country. The legislation aims to provide tax incentives for those who serve as volunteer firefighters, ambulance personnel, civil air patrol members, and search and rescue workers.
Bresnahan emphasized the importance of the work done by these volunteers. “Every hour that our volunteer firefighters, first responders, and rescue workers give can mean the difference between life and death for their neighbors. This legislation is about honoring that sacrifice,” he said. “A tax incentive for these heroes is just a small way that we can show our appreciation and help ensure our communities have the volunteers needed to keep us safe.”
Harder also highlighted the need for federal support: “Washington should be doing everything possible to help these brave volunteers,” he stated. “The Helping Our Heroes Act is a common sense solution that will reduce shortages and help give first responders the support they need to continue keeping our families safe. We need to pass this into law ASAP.”
Small and rural communities in Northeastern Pennsylvania and elsewhere often rely on volunteer departments due to limited resources for full-time professional fire and rescue services. These departments are experiencing increased strain as they face more responsibilities with fewer volunteers, leading to recruitment and retention challenges.
If enacted, the Helping Our Heroes Act would allow eligible volunteers to claim a $20 tax deduction for each hour of service or training, up to 300 hours per year. The deduction would be available “above-the-line,” making it accessible even for taxpayers who do not itemize deductions.
Steve Hirsch, Chairman of the National Volunteer Fire Council, expressed his organization’s support: “The National Volunteer Fire Council thanks Reps. Bresnahan and Harder for their leadership in introducing the Helping Our Heroes Act. Many volunteer fire departments struggle to recruit and retain firefighters. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including increased mental and physical pressures due to a significant rise in call volumes. Between 2010 and 2020 the number of volunteer firefighters in the United States dropped by 12%. The ‘above the line’ tax deduction created by this important legislation would serve as a key incentive to recruit and retain volunteers and reverse this trend.”
