Firefighters advised not to volunteer

NEW YORK, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- The president of a New York City firefighter's union is advising his members not to serve as volunteer firefighters.

In his monthly online report, Uniformed Fire Officers Association President of Local 854 Peter Gorman told members not to be volunteer firefighters in their home communities. He says the so-called "two-hatters" could jeopardize union health benefits if they got sick or injured on their volunteer jobs, reported New York City cable news channel NY1.

Many professional New York City firefighters live in the suburbs of New York City, which are protected by volunteer firefighters. It's estimated that 17,000 professional firefighters within New York state also serve as volunteer as firefighters, NY1 said.

Gorman said the practice puts him at a disadvantage during contract talks with the city.