CAMILLUS -- Firefighters in Camillus say their department has been reinstated as a not-for-profit agency, and now they can buy the life-saving equipment they need.
Senator Chuck Schumer's office says the IRS had revoked the department's tax-exempt status because of a problem with paperwork. Sen. Schumer says he pushed the IRS to reinstate the department as a not-for-profit agency.
"Losing their tax exempt status had the Camillus Fire Department caught in a bind, unable to apply for federal grants and raise private funds from thoughtful citizens who wanted to make sure the firefighters had the tools they need to stay safe," said Schumer. "No firefighter should ever be sent into a blaze without the necessary equipment to stay safe, so I'm thrilled that the IRS has reversed course and given Camillus their proper status back."
Without the not-for-profit status, future donations or public contributions made to the Camillus Fire Department would have been at risk. After losing the status, the department was not able to buy oxygen tanks. A $13,000 cash donation to the department was held in limbo. Now, Camillus can accept the donation because its status has been retroactively reinstated dating back to November, 2011. Otherwise, that donation and others may have had to be returned to donors.
What do you think about the Camillus Fire Department temporarily losing its not-for-profit status? Do you worry about financial problems with your local fire department. Post your comments below.
