Careers & Education

Glens Falls, NY, Firefighter Receives Full Pension while Battling Alzheimer's

Feb. 12, 2025

After a judge denied his fellow firefighters from donating their hours to him, the common council voted in favor of letting Fire Lt. Doug Holl retire early with full benefits.

Steven Shaw

Glens Falls Fire Lt. Doug Holl fought fires for 18 years, but needed 20 years to receive full benefits.

As NewsChannel 13 has reported, a little over a year ago, Holl was diagnosed with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease.

When his colleagues heard the news, the other 37 members of the firefighters union agreed to donate their unused vacation time, sick time, and personal days to get him over the hump.

But that gesture was denied.

Mayor Bill Collins didn't think it was legal to donate PTO. After talking to lawyers and looking at state law, it is legal.

“I couldn’t bring it to the floor unless our attorneys said this was OK. It’s an honor to do it. Doug is a great man,” he said.

On Tuesday night, the common council voted in favor of letting Holl retire early with full benefits.

About the Author

Steven Shaw | Managing Editor, Firehouse.com

Steven Shaw is the managing editor of Firehouse.com. Shaw served as editorial director of the James H. Neal Award-winning “WTC: In Their Own Words” and “Hot Shots: Spectacular Fire Photos.” He previously served as editor-in-chief of Industrial Photography, The Commercial Image and Studio Photography and Design.