New York Volunteer Firefighters Housewatch Page

06/11/2026

Courtesy of FirefighterCloseCalls.Com

All,

Hopefully, you know who retired San Francisco Firefighter Ken Jones is. Or who he was. Beyond sad, he died from Firefighting Occupational Cancer late last month. He died at age 71 after being diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in March 2025. In summary, he was pretty much told to "just go ahead and die..."



Before his death, he had required a specific course of treatment that included chemotherapy and immunotherapy. However, his insurance provider, Blue Shield of California, reportedly denied coverage, as well as denied an appeal filed by Jones' oncologists. According to a denial letter, Blue Shield denied coverage repeatedly after determining that Jones was ineligible because he had already undergone other types of treatments for his cancer.



JUST GO AHEAD AND DIE...

And heartbreakingly, he did.



Below are links to details about his battle and the fact that his family and friends did a GoFundMe to help pay for what Blue Shield denied.



NO SHORTAGE OF THINGS TO GET MAD AT

These days it seems there is no shortage of things to get mad or po'ed at. But let's focus on what's usually known as customer service, taking care of people, doing as-advertised stuff like that.



Ken was denied insurance coverage for his stage 4 lung cancer treatment and died from the disease. Denied coverage. The city. His family. San Francisco Firefighters IAFF L-798 ... all gave it their all in fighting, pleading, begging — whatever it would take for Blue Shield to pretty much do what they advertise. Provide health insurance. Please.



While I could rant about this for hours, I promised myself I would get to the point. While in my heart, I really feel like tossing a huge FU to those at Blue Shield for their heartless actions toward Ken, and no doubt so many others, but not now.



UNDERCOVER BOSS

The TV show where high-level corporate execs leave the comfort of their offices, their soft shoes, and their beck-and-call aides, and they secretly take low-level jobs within their companies to find out how things really work, how "their" company deals with the customer, and what their employees truly think of them.



Every CEO should regularly experience their own customer service. Mr. Hampton should stay in Hampton Inn's. Mr. Holiday should stay in a Holiday Inn. Ronald should eat at McDonald's. GM CEO Mary Barra should secretly drive her GM car to a local dealer.



And then there is Mike Stewart, President and CEO of Blue Shield of California, who should literally lie along the side of his stage 4 "cancer customers" after grueling treatments, throwing up, and sickness, only to find out that further treatment, even though urged by doctors, is denied. He should be there, watching and listening when the family decides they have to do a f*ckin' GoFundMe to try and save their loved one.


.. and on and on.



THE PUBLISHED MISSION STATEMENT OF BLUE SHIELD OF CALIFORNIA

Our mission

To ensure all Californians have access to high-quality health care at an affordable price.

Our values

Human

Honest

Courageous



A CHANCE TO RESCUE. BLOWN.

Every one of us in this business has been directly or indirectly involved in saving a life. There is really no greater honor or privilege than when we can "detour" the end for someone ... if it had not been for you/we/us/our actions. And when we do, it is ALWAYS where we do everything humanly possible to save that life. We know no other way. Some of our own have given their lives to save the life of another.



We are in the business of helping people on a bad day. Sometimes horrible, their worst day. We put our entire heart and soul into it, and it is very personal to us. And we never, ever give up until every possible chance is clearly gone.



Blue Cross of California had a chance to "give it their all" when it came to helping Ken, but it seems like — by all accounts — they blew it. For whatever bureaucratic, heartless reasons you or they can think of. And their mission statement, like so many, is just words.

Blue Shield of California. B.S.



NOW is probably a good time to check out your own programs and policies. Ask your retirees how their treatments and general healthcare are. And those who have had serious issues, such as cancer, how are they being taken care of? Find out. Run some "what if" scenarios.

Just in case.



Our hearts go out to Ken's family, their friends, the Firefighters of SFFD, and IAFF Local 798 for their extraordinary efforts in what they did to try and help, and what they are doing to ensure this doesn't happen to anyone else again.



Rest In Peace, Brother Ken.





Take Care. Be Careful. Pass It On.



BillyG

The Secret List 6/10/2026-1830 Hours

www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com



RELATED LINKS:



BS CALIF MISSION:

https://www.blueshieldca.com/en/home/about-blue-shield/corporate-information/mission-and-values



PEOPLE MAGAZINE ARTICLE

https://people.com/firefighter-dies-of-lung-cancer-after-being-denied-insurance-coverage-11993508



SFFD FIREFIGHTERS CLASH WITH BLUE SHIELD OVER KEN JONES' DEATH

https://abc7news.com/post/san-francisco-firefighters-clash-blue-shield-city-hall-meeting-denied-cancer-care-following-ken-jones-death/19266085/

06/05/2026

Courtesy of NYSVARA.Org

New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association, Inc.

214 Kent Avenue #278, Endwell NY 13760

(877) NYS-VARA www.nysvara.org

NYSVARA represents, advocates, and provides a voice for Emergency Medical Services and emergency medical responders in the community and volunteer, not-for-profit sector.

6/4/26

EMS Colleagues:

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Legislation to increase the NYS volunteer tax credit from $200 t0 $800 was passed by both the NYS Senate and Assembly earlier this week. The next and last step in the legislative process is for the Legislature to forward the bill to Governor Hochul for signature into law.

NYSVARA is grateful to the members of the New York State legislature for recognizing the tremendous dedication of EMS and fire volunteers and taking this major step to support recruitment and retention. NYSVARA has sent the Governor's Office a letter of support for the bill's enactment.

The legislation -- https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6790/amendment/A -- would allow a volunteer to receive the NYS tax credit and also receive the partial local property tax exemption that can be offered by local school districts and municipalities. Currently a volunteer must choose either the tax credit or the tax exemption.

The bill specifies the law will take effect for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

The $800 tax credit is a meaningful economic contribution to a volunteer EMS clinician regardless of home ownership. For a volunteer that owns a home the economic contribution is magnified with the ability to simultaneously access both the tax credit and a tax exemption. NYSVARA continues to strongly support community-based efforts to encourage adoption of the 10% local tax exemption for volunteer EMS and fire responders.

We are hopeful that the Governor will promptly sign this legislation into law so volunteer EMS and fire responders will be able to access the expanded tax credit for the current year. If you have any questions, please contact Legislative and Government Affairs Chairperson Steve Kroll at [email protected].

Steven Kroll, Chair

Legislative and Government Affairs Committee

NYS Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Association

[email protected]

Non-Profit Association representing volunteer EMS professionals and organizations throughout New York State.

06/02/2026

Courtesy of Firehouse.Com

Harlem-Roscoe, IL, Firefighter/Paramedic Dies on Duty

Firefighter/Paramedic John Morgan was lauded for dedication and commitment to residents in the Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District.

The death of a firefighter/paramedic is being mourned by Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District personnel.

Firefighter/Paramedic John Morgan died while on duty Sunday night, WIFR reported.

Details regarding Morgan's death have not been released. His body was escorted to the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office.by fire, EMS and police vehicles.

"Every day, Firefighters and Paramedics willingly place themselves in harm's way to respond to emergencies, provide lifesaving care, and stand ready whenever their community calls. Today, we are reminded of the extraordinary courage, selflessness, and dedication required to fulfill that mission. Our member embodied those values throughout his career and he leaves behind a legacy of service that will never be forgotten," Fire Chief John Bergeron wrote in a statement on the department's page.

The chief recognized Morgan writing: "His commitment to serving the residents of our community exemplified the highest ideals of the Fire and EMS profession.The impact of this loss extends far beyond the walls of our fire stations. It is felt by every member of our department, our emergency service partners and the countless citizens whose lives were touched through compassionate care, professional service, and unwavering commitment."

Funeral arrangements are pending.

05/15/2026

Courtesy of FASNY.Com

FASNY APPLAUDS ASSEMBLY PASSAGE OF LANDMARK BILL QUADRUPLING VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER AND EMS TAX CREDIT

Major Recruitment and Retention Measure Raises State Tax Credit from $200 to $800 for First Time in 20 Years


The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) today applauded the New York State Assembly for passing landmark legislation to quadruple the state’s volunteer firefighter and ambulance worker income tax credit from $200 to $800 — the first increase since the program was established in 2006 — while also eliminating restrictions that currently prevent volunteers from receiving both the state tax credit and any locally authorized property tax exemptions.

The Senate, a longstanding supporter of volunteer emergency services that has previously passed versions of the legislation multiple times, is expected to advance the measure again in the coming days before adjournment.

The legislation, S.6233-A / A.6790-A, represents one of the most significant statewide investments in volunteer emergency services in decades and comes as volunteer fire and EMS departments across New York continue facing severe recruitment and retention challenges.

For two decades, the statewide volunteer income tax credit has remained unchanged at $200 despite rising gas and tolls, increasing emergency call volumes, and declining volunteer membership statewide. According to findings cited by FASNY, 76 percent of volunteer fire departments have experienced membership declines in recent years.

“This is a transformational moment for volunteer emergency services in New York State,” said FASNY First Vice President, Donald J. Farrell. “Quadrupling the volunteer firefighter and EMS tax credit from $200 to $800 sends a powerful message that New York recognizes the critical role volunteers play in protecting communities every day. Combined with allowing volunteers to receive both the state income tax credit and local property tax exemptions, this legislation delivers meaningful, long-overdue support for the tens of thousands of volunteers who sacrifice their time, leave their families, and answer emergency calls at all hours.”

In addition to increasing the statewide income tax credit, the legislation removes what FASNY described as an outdated statutory barrier that currently forces volunteers to choose between receiving the state income tax credit and benefiting from locally authorized property tax exemptions. The legislation would allow volunteers to receive both incentives simultaneously, restoring flexibility for local governments and strengthening local recruitment and retention efforts.

FASNY noted that volunteer firefighters save New York taxpayers an estimated $3.8 billion annually in salaries and benefits alone, while replacing the volunteer system with a fully career workforce could cost as much as $4.7 billion annually, in addition to billions in capital expenses and substantial local property tax increases.

04/28/2026

Courtesy of FirefighterCloseCalls.Com

All,
Just a reminder that tomorrow (WEDNESDAY APRIL 29 at 1300 EST) there will be a special webinar on one of the most important court rulings in recent fire service history: the Line-of-Duty Death of Lt. Garrett Ramos of the Sterling (IL) Fire Department. This single family dwelling fire and his Line of Duty Death resulted in a civil lawsuit that ultimately delivered a $31.5 million verdict against the city of Rock Falls (IL) — the largest Firefighter LODD verdict in United States history.

Brothers & Sisters:

This is not about the money — this is about the death of a Firefighter and the facts of what happened and how we can all learn from the facts. There are critical tactical, command, leadership, and legal lessons for all of us to learn. NO ONE responded to this fire expecting anything to go wrong....

This webinar will feature a candid discussion with the plaintiff’s attorney and an expert witness involved in the case.

THIS IS a free event open to all. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn what went wrong, why the jury ruled as it did, and what YOU can do to reduce the chances of something similar happening on YOUR fireground.

From Firefighter to Company Officer to Chief — this webinar applies to every rank — but most critically to every fire officer, acting fire officer and chief fire officer. Please block out the time and register. No cost. Just your time to learn.

After the Verdict: Operational Lessons from a $31.5M Firefighter Line of Duty Death

TOMORROW Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | 1 pm Eastern

REGISTER HERE:



https://tinyurl.com/5k362kmf

Please share this unique opportunity with every Firefighter, Company and Chief Officer you are connected with.

Take Care. Be Careful. Pass it On.

BillyG

The Secret List 4/28/2026-1300 Hours

www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

04/25/2026

Courtesy of

FDNY EMS Division Chief Christopher Bilz, Rescue 5 Firefighter Tim McGuire, and Station 39 EMT Ryan O'Reilly were honored on Thursday at Citi Field during First Responders Appreciation Night



EMS Division Chief Christopher Bilz, Rescue 5 Firefighter Tim McGuire, and Station 39 EMT Ryan O'Reilly were honored on Thursday at Citi Field during First Responders Appreciation Night, where members threw out the ceremonial first pitch in recognition of lifesaving actions earlier this year in Queens and Brooklyn.

Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow first responders, the members were recognized for their dedication to service across New York City.

And to cap off the night, the New York Mets won!

04/08/2026

Courtesy of FirefighterCloseCalls.Com

All,

Joint Duty Death Funeral Services for Walnuttown Fire Company Chief Jeffory L. Buck and Assistant Chief Robert R. Shick, Jr. will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Fleetwood High School Auditorium, 803 N. Richmond Street, Fleetwood. Not only did they serve in the Walnuttown Fire Company, but they were longtime best friends.

Relatives, friends and fellow first responders are invited to joint viewings on Friday evening, April 10, 2026, from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. in Fleetwood High School Auditorium.

Doors will open on Saturday morning beginning at 9:15 a.m. and there will not be a viewing prior to the service.

Final disposition for both fire fighters will be private at the convenience of each of their families.



Take care. Be careful. Pass it on.

BillyG

The Secret List April 8, 2026-0819 hours

www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

Firefighter Close Calls is the home of the Secret List. The worlds most visited website focused exclusively on firefighter survival. FireFighter Close Calls is part of the FireCompanies.com network of sites.

03/20/2026

Courtesy of

CAL FIRE is accepting applications for Fire Fighter I (FFI), our seasonal, entry-level firefighting position, statewide!

A Fire Fighter I is often the first step into a CAL FIRE career. FFIs work on the front lines responding to wildfires and all-risk emergencies, staff engine and hand crew operations, and serve communities across California during peak fire activity. It is physically demanding, fast-paced, and built for those ready to step up.

Apply by March 31, 2026, to be considered in the next hiring round.
To apply, you must:
➡ Be 18 years of age or older
➡ Have a valid driver’s license
➡ Be ready for all-risk emergency response and rigorous field work

Want to strengthen your application? Pursue certifications, complete relevant training, and consider attending a fire academy.

03/17/2026

Courtesy of FirefighterCloseCalls.Com

The Chicago Firefighter that died in the Line of Duty at the fire yesterday in Rogers Park has been identified. Firefighter EMT Michael Altman, 32, fell from the first floor to the basement and was rescued within one minute. He was transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries earlier today. The fire was in a 4-story apartment building.

Altman, a member of Truck 47 in Edgewater, was searching the building when he fell through the floor of the first story into a basement room that was well involved, and suffered extensive burns.

Firefighter Altman was married and the father of a young child, with another child on the way. He was a 4th-generation Firefighter (with his Dad and Uncles on the job as well as his grandfather, who was a former Fire Commissioner in the 90's.

--VIDEO SHOWING THE BUILDING:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So3GAcpTZnk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKONSN40fEw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMbRzq471_I

-FIRE COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENT:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKvQhjenpiY

(TODAY'S PROCESSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs-kRCTgXto )

FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT THE ALTMAN FAMILY:

https://www.theyardfoundation.org/mayday/altman

Much more to follow.

Take Care. Be Careful. Pass it On.

BillyG

The Secret List 3/17/2026-1559 Hours

www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com

03/15/2026

Courtesy of

The Philadelphia Fire Department is celebrating its 155th anniversary today! We have proudly provided dedicated service to since March 15, 1871.