Eligibility to participate

All active volunteer firefighters are eligible to participate in the LOSAP. Article 11-A defined an active volunteer firefighter as “a person who has been approved by the authorities in control of a duly organized volunteer fire company or volunteer fire department as an active volunteer firefighter of such fire company or department and who is faithfully and actually performing service in the protection of life and property from fire or other emergency, accident or calamity in connection with which the services of such fire company or fire department are required.”

In general, ladies auxiliary members, social-only members, or life-only members are not eligible to participate. Furthermore, a sponsor and fire department should consider carefully if “Class D” or “Administrative Only” members should be eligible to participate. Generally, only volunteers who have a duty to respond to calls/emergencies can participate in a LOSAP in New York State.