A piece of legislation has been introduced in Kentucky that would reward volunteer firefighters with a tax credit.
House Bill 225, introduced by 95th District state Rep. Ashley Tackett Laferty, D-Martin, and co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of representatives, calls for a refundable $1,000 income tax credit for certain volunteer firefighters.
The measure is currently being considered by the House Appropriations & Revenue committee.
The tax credit is intended “to increase the number of volunteer firefighters volunteering with a qualified fire department in the commonwealth,” according to the legislation.
Clarkson Fire Chief Andy Cain told K105 that the bill “is a critical step in addressing the recruitment and retention crisis facing our fire departments.”
“Our volunteers are the backbone of community safety, often sacrificing their personal time and risking their lives with little to no compensation,” Cain added. “The city of Clarkson Fire Department and others across the commonwealth have noted that this incentive is not just a reward for service, but a way to help cover the out-of-pocket expenses — like fuel and equipment — that our firefighters regularly absorb.”
Cain also said that the tax credit would “encourage more community members to undergo the 150+ hours of required certification training,” and “provide a tangible token of gratitude for the millions of dollars in service volunteers save Kentucky taxpayers every year.”
Additionally, the tax credit would help volunteer fire departments “maintain the reliable roster needed to respond when our neighbors are in their most desperate hour,” Cain said.
“We urge our representatives and the Legislative Research Commission to champion this bill through the 2026 session. It is time we recognize the sacrifice of our first responders with more than just words,” Cain stated.
To read the entire bill, click here.
(Photo courtesy of the Clarkson Fire Department)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
