FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  July 16, 2008
MEDIA CONTACT:  Randolph Yunker (516) 571-5048

LEVINSON:  “AUXILIARY POLICE DESERVE PROPERTY TAX BREAKS”

(Mineola, NY) When the volunteer efforts of community-minded men and women who serve as volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers throughout the state were rewarded with pensions and property tax exemptions many years ago, for some reason, state legislators neglected to include and recognize the efforts of volunteer auxiliary police.

“These outstanding men and women who unselfishly volunteer their time to serve as the “eyes and ears” of the police department are deserving of the same property tax breaks that are being given to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers,” stated Board of Assessors Chairman Harvey Levinson.  “Not only do these uniformed and highly trained volunteers provide a deterring presence throughout our communities; they afford our police departments the flexibility to divert manpower to other emergency situations that arise on a daily basis.”

Three years ago, Assessor Levinson called on state legislators to act quickly to amend and correct the provision of existing New York State Real Property Tax Law to allow auxiliary police volunteers to receive a 10% property tax exemption credit. 

“Why our state officials are taking so long to recognize the service and contributions of these dedicated volunteers is mind-boggling,” Levinson remarked.  “By offering auxiliary police volunteers the same property tax breaks being given to firefighters and ambulance workers, you are not only correcting an oversight, but will be helping volunteer recruitment efforts.”

Established in 1951 under the provisions of the Civil Defense Act, members of the Nassau County Auxiliary Police are given a 23-session basic training course at the Police Academy.  As part of their training, volunteers receive instruction on the New York State Penal Law, hazardous materials awareness, basic First Aid/CPR, Peace Officer powers, and critical incident response.  There are nearly 300 auxiliary police auxiliary volunteers in Nassau County.