Albany – Today, August 4, 2021, New York State Senator Sean Ryan and Assemblyman Bill Conrad announced that their legislation (S.7116/A.7377) creating the Kenilworth Volunteer Fire Co. #1 Benevolent Association has been signed into law by the Governor.

 The Kenilworth Volunteer Fire Co. #1, established in 1919, is stationed on Hawthorne Avenue in the Town of Tonawanda. The establishment of this association will not only help Kenilworth Fire – an all-volunteer company – take good care of its firefighters; it will also support its recruitment and retention efforts. Membership will be open to all active and former members of the Kenilworth Volunteer Fire Co. #1.

The purpose of an incorporated benevolent association is to provide relief and aid to a fire department’s volunteer members and their families – particularly those who are indigent and those who are injured or disabled in the performance of their firefighting duties. The benevolent association also helps a department maintain its headquarters, promote the fire service, provide for the health and safety of members, and enhance volunteers’ morale through recreational and social activities.

Senator Sean Ryan said, “Volunteer firefighters are among the most selfless members of our society, and the members of Kenilworth Fire make sacrifices every day for the benefit of the Town of Tonawanda. The establishment of the Kenilworth Volunteer Fire Co. #1 Benevolent Association is the least we can do to thank these people for all of the time and effort they put in to keep their community safe.”

Assemblyman Bill Conrad said, “Our volunteer firefighters accept their call to serve knowing it comes with great sacrifice. They give up precious time with their loved ones to assist our own, juggling busy family and professional lives with their duties as first responders. Indeed, the demands of the role of volunteer firefighter are more than a lot of us could bear. I am grateful to each one of them, and I am pleased to know the Benevolent Association will offer the Company’s members some of the added support they so deserve.”