Safety & Health

Glens Falls, NY, Officials Say Illegal for FFs to Donate Hours to Ill Colleague

Feb. 5, 2025

When Glens Falls Lt. Doug Holl was diagnosed with early Alzheimer's, fellow firefighters donated 3,000 hours to help him reach his 20 years of service.

Susan Nicol

There has been tremendous support for a Glens Falls fire lieutenant, facing a life changing diagnosis.

Lt. Doug Holl, who fought fires for 18 years, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's a little over a year ago.

Despite urges from his wife and fellow firefighters, the city said 'no' to retire early with full benefits, WNYT reported.

He needed to reach 20-years of service in order to receive his full pension.

In order to make sure he reached that milestone, the other 37 members of the firefighters union agreed to donate their unused vacation time, sick time, and personal days to Holl. It added up to around 3,000 donated hours.

Their gesture, however, was deemed illegal by city officials.

About 1.300 people have signed a petition, asking the city to reconsider.

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.