ALBANY (AP) -- Volunteer firefighters and medics who miss work because they are responding to an emergency would be protected from discipline under two bills passed by New York lawmakers.

Not every boss is tolerant of employees taking time off to protect the public, and David Jacobowitz of the Firemen's Association of the State of New York says some volunteers have been pressured about their absences.

He says eight other states have similar protections.

The legislation would bar employers from punishing firefighters or emergency medical technicians who are late, or can't come in, because they are on a call.

The state Senate and the Assembly have both passed the bill. It is awaiting Gov. David Paterson's signature.

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