Legislation Expanding First Responder Definition Signed Into Law

MASSAPEQUA, NY — Gov. Kathy Hochul has given the ultimate support to legislation sponsored by state Senator John Brooks (D-Massapequa).

In commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Hochul signed into law recognizing emergency dispatchers as first responders.

The essential workers are eligible for additional training opportunities, which will make them that much more effective in their jobs, furthering their ability to keep residents of NY safe.

With pen to paper, the distinction officially adds all public safety dispatchers, emergency responders, emergency operators and emergency services dispatchers.

"It is long past time we remove existing roadblocks that prevent these essential emergency workers from providing the full range of support they can give and denying them of benefits they deserve," Brooks said in a statement. "As a first responder myself, I am grateful to Governor Hochul for signing this important legislation into law."

Emergency telecommunicators represent the literal front line of support and protection for our communities, making them New York's first "first responders." When an emergency occurs and 911 is dialed, the caller's first point of contact in their time of crisis is one of these emergency telecommunicators.

"These laws will help not only first responders who were at the World Trade Center on that terrible day and those who cleaned the site for weeks afterward, but also the emergency dispatchers and communications personnel who keep us safe today," Hochul said in a statement. "We will ensure they receive the support and benefits they deserve."