Top state fire service leaders, legislators, and local fire fighters were all in West Carthage Sunday, to talk about fire legislation.

"To take time out of their weekend day, to come and talk to a bunch of volunteer fireman, that shows that they're interested in what we're doing and what's happening with us," says West Carthage Assistant Chief Lawrence Hall.

At the seminar The Firefighters Association of the State of New York presented its 9 item legislative agenda for 2012.

Despite a long list of state lawmakers scheduled to attend, assemblyman Ken Blankenbush was the only legislator actually in attendance, although representatives for state senators Joe Griffo and Patty Ritchie were on hand.

"It's always good to hear, before session starts, what agenda items or concerns that any group has.  Especially the Fireman's Association," said Blankenbush.

Among the top items was a change to the current 911 surcharge distribution schedule and extended insurance benefits.

However, guiding that nine point agenda is one underlying issue for volunteer fire departments: the lack of manpower. "During the day, if we can turn out 9 or 10 people from each department, it's a skeleton crew but,  that's when you start hollering 'mutual aid'," adds Hall

Because of the lack of volunteers,  departments in Carthage and West Carthage both respond to any structure fire in either area.

Assemblyman Blankenbush hopes by passing these laws, volunteer fire departments will be able to increase their numbers.　

"Anything that we can do to help recruit younger people to come into the volunteer fire department is important.  I think it's one of the priorities that most of the northern assemblies and senators should be working on," says Blankenbush. 

FASNY will have 8 more legislative update meetings this year across New York state.