Sen. Chip Curry presents bill to strengthen retention of volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel
AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, April 23, Sen. Chip Curry, D-Belfast, presented legislation to support Maine’s volunteer first responders by fully funding the Maine Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP). LD 786, “An Act to Promote Public Safety and Retain Essential First Responders by Funding the Maine Length of Service Award Program,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety.
“In rural Maine, entire communities depend on volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel,” said Sen. Curry. “These are our neighbors, stepping up to respond to fires, car crashes, and medical emergencies. LD 786 is about honoring their service and keeping them in these essential roles.”
LOSAP is a retirement benefit program for volunteer emergency personnel who meet annual training and service requirements. While the Legislature formally established the program in 2015, it has never received the funding necessary to operate statewide at full capacity.
LD 786 proposes continued support to fulfill the original vision for LOSAP. During the public hearing, Sen. Curry advocated for an amendment to the bill that would make the fund non-lapsing, meaning any unused money wouldn’t disappear at the end of the fiscal year.
Instead, unspent funds would roll over and stay in the account, allowing the program to build a more stable reserve over time. This would make the program more flexible and sustainable, and potentially reduce the amount that needs to be appropriated each year. The goal is to provide a meaningful retirement benefit to recognize years of volunteer service and help towns retain their emergency responders.
The legislation builds on efforts from previous sessions, including LD 588 from the 131st Legislature, also sponsored by Sen. Curry, which secured a one-time $500,000 allocation in 2023. LD 786 would finally provide the consistent support that first responders and municipalities have long awaited.
LD 786 awaits further action in committee.
Sen. Curry represents District 11, which includes all of Waldo County.
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