Sullivan Provides Necessary Training for Fire Commissioners

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Swan Lake, NY - The Sullivan County Emergency Services Training Center recently held a commissioner training class presented by Greg Serio from the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York.

Over 50 local fire commissioners, several secretaries and treasurers, and a few chiefs from Sullivan County - plus a number from outside the County - attended the class.

Fire districts are governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners. The commissioners create a budget to raise monies for the district, which translates to the fire tax on property tax bills. Each year in December, one seat is up for election for a five-year term, and all newly-elected commissioners are required to take a training class.

An experienced instructor, Serio emphasized that the Board of Commissioners is the official Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in all matters concerning the fire district. The fire department answers to the AHJ, and the chief and their assistants are approved by the Board before they can assume office.

He stressed that the AHJ has an obligation to use funds wisely and legally to protect the taxpayer. The district can enter into contracts for services provided to the district and can also create and monitor equipment funds, capital improvement funds and more. As a result, the district must conduct an internal audit of their monies.

Serio also discussed the municipal laws that govern commissioners. He used examples to illustrate how some of the rules came about because of misuse of funds or powers.

Serio concluded the class by going over current State and Federal legislation and how that may affect the fire districts - in particular, updated OSHA rules.

"This training is absolutely critical for fire commissioners to understand and perform their role," noted Sullivan County Fire Coordinator John Hauschild. "Their job is distinct from that of a firefighter's or even a fire chief's, but it's no less important to the people and communities we serve. I'm glad the Bureau of Fire and the Emergency Services Training Center can provide the space and instructor for this valuable and necessary class."