In rural Alabama, safety isn’t guaranteed by a municipal paycheck. It is guaranteed by neighbors. When a house catches fire in the middle of the night, or a family is trapped in a vehicle on a county road, the sirens you hear are often driven by volunteers who left their jobs, their dinner tables, or their beds to help someone in need.
They don’t do it for the money. They do it because they are patriots who care about their community.
But patriotism shouldn't cost you your financial security. That is why House Bill 278 is such a critical piece of legislation this session. Sponsored by Rep. Underwood and a coalition of leaders, this bill takes a temporary state income tax credit for these volunteers and makes it permanent.
Recruitment is a Crisis
Across Alabama, volunteer fire departments (VFDs) and rescue squads are facing a recruitment crisis. The demands of training, the cost of equipment, and the time commitment required to be certified are higher than ever. Younger generations are not joining at the same rates, leaving many departments understaffed and overstretched.
HB278 addresses this by expanding eligibility to include not just certified firefighters, but also Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) and Fire Support Persons. This recognizes a reality of modern emergency response: it takes a team. From the person holding the hose to the person managing the scene or providing medical aid, every role is vital.
A Matter of Values
Supporting HB278 is about more than tax policy; it is a statement of values. It says that Alabama recognizes the sacrifice of the men and women who run toward danger when everyone else is running away. It acknowledges that the volunteer spirit is what keeps our rural communities viable.
By making this credit permanent, the Legislature provides certainty to these first responders. They shouldn’t have to wonder every few years if the state still values their contribution.
Patriots First Alabama stands firmly behind HB278.
We urge the Legislature to pass this bill quickly and cleanly. It is the least we can do for those who stand ready to lose everything to save a stranger.