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NH Emergency Services Program Faces Reduced Cuts After Debate

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  Published in House and Home on Saturday, March 28th 2026 at 1:04 GMT by New Hampshire Union Leader
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Concord, NH - March 28, 2026 - A contentious proposal to significantly downsize the State Assistance for Uniform Services (SAUS) program has been substantially altered by the New Hampshire House Finance Committee, averting what many feared would be a crippling blow to the state's volunteer emergency services. What began as a plan to slash the SAUS workforce from 107 full-time equivalent positions to a mere 12 has been revised to a $1.5 million cut, representing a reduction in force but avoiding the initially proposed, drastic overhaul.

The decision, reached Friday after hours of debate, reflects growing concerns among legislators about the potential impact of such deep cuts on the ability of volunteer fire departments, ambulance services, and other crucial emergency response organizations to effectively serve their communities. Governor Chris Sununu originally championed the cuts as a means to streamline state services and reduce overall costs, a familiar refrain in recent budget negotiations. However, the scale of the proposed reduction sparked immediate backlash from both Democrats and Republicans on the Finance Committee.

Representative David Wheeler, R-Brookfield, voiced a sentiment echoed by many: "I'm not comfortable with the idea of just shutting down those positions." Wheeler and other committee members argued that the SAUS program provides vital training and logistical support to volunteer first responders, who often lack the resources of their professional counterparts. A sudden loss of SAUS personnel would have placed an undue burden on these volunteers, potentially jeopardizing response times and the quality of emergency care available across the state, particularly in rural areas.

SAUS plays a critical, often unseen, role in maintaining the readiness of New Hampshire's emergency services. The program offers a range of services, including specialized training in areas such as fire suppression, vehicle extrication, and hazardous materials handling. It also provides administrative and logistical support, assists with grant applications, and helps ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. For many small, volunteer-based emergency services organizations, SAUS acts as an extension of their own capabilities, filling gaps in expertise and resources.

The approved amendment now directs the Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety to conduct a more thorough evaluation of the SAUS program and develop a plan for a phased-in reduction in workforce. This approach allows for a more careful and considered restructuring, minimizing disruption to essential services. Committee chair Representative Lucy Weber, D-Henniker, explained that this provision is key, stating, "This allows us to do the restructuring, do the evaluation, and see what makes the most sense." The evaluation is expected to focus on identifying areas where services can be consolidated or delivered more efficiently, while still maintaining a critical level of support for volunteer emergency responders.

This revised approach doesn't necessarily eliminate the possibility of future cuts, but it shifts the conversation from an immediate, catastrophic reduction to a more sustainable and strategic restructuring. The Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety is now tasked with presenting a detailed plan to the legislature by the end of the year, outlining their proposed changes and the anticipated impact on emergency services statewide.

However, some continue to express concern that even a $1.5 million cut will have consequences. The New Hampshire Volunteer Firefighter's Association has released a statement indicating they will be closely monitoring the situation and working with the Department to ensure vital programs aren't impacted. They highlight the increasing demands placed on volunteer firefighters - responding to more calls with fewer resources - and argue that continued investment in SAUS is essential.

Looking ahead, the future of SAUS remains uncertain. The department's upcoming evaluation will be crucial in shaping the program's direction and determining the long-term level of support available to New Hampshire's dedicated volunteer emergency services. The committee's decision Friday represents a compromise, a recognition of the vital role these services play, and a call for a more measured approach to cost-cutting.