Shenango Valley News

A set of legislative proposals spearheaded by Senator Michele Brooks (R-50) to bolster Pennsylvania’s volunteer firefighter numbers and enhance emergency response passed the Senate committees this week.

The Senate Education Committee gave the green light to Senate Bill 470 on Tuesday, marking a step towards integrating firefighter training into high school curricula with the establishment of a Firefighter Training Pilot Program. This initiative aims to give students practical skills and interest in emergency services. "If we want to ensure the future of our local fire departments, we need to start engaging the next generation now," Brooks stated. "This program will help give high school students a direct pathway into emergency services and prepare them to protect our communities."

Senate Bill 466 received approval from the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness (VAEP) Committee on Wednesday. It addresses the volunteer firefighter shortage by allowing job training credits to count towards Firefighter I Certification. Additionally, the bill seeks to resolve the recent issue where more than ten grants for Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services were withdrawn after being awarded. It includes a one-time grace period for report submissions to ease the administrative burden on emergency services.

“We cannot afford to lose good fire and EMS companies due to bureaucratic red tape,” remarked Brooks. "Whether they're running or working at a local fair, having a fundraiser, working a full-time job and raising a family, life is busy for these first responders. This legislation ensures the fairness and flexibility they need to acquire equipment to continue protecting our communities."

VAEP also passed Senate Bill 90, co-primed by Brooks, intending to facilitate access to Firefighter I Certification training, making certification more achievable for aspiring firefighters.

Furthermore, Senate Bill 211, endorsed by the Senate Finance Committee, proposes that Pennsylvania residents be allowed to donate to fire departments via their state income tax returns. These contributions would support the FCEMS Grant Program to offer financial aid to fire and emergency medical services.

“Our first responders put their lives on the line every day. This bill gives Pennsylvanians an easy way to voluntarily support them financially and help ensure they have the equipment and resources they need,” Brooks emphasized.

Brooks has long championed legislation to ease the challenges faced by volunteer firefighters. Her 2019 Act 106, which permits online training for volunteers, is among her achievements. Pending legislation includes proposals to reduce hunting and fishing license fees for volunteer firefighters and EMS technicians, provide tax credits for volunteers, and allocate event funds to the FCEMS Grant Program.

“Our first responders sacrifice time away from their families and risk their lives to help others, so every effort should be made to support them,” Brooks reiterated. “Bureaucracy should not be a barrier for those who are protecting our communities. From training programs to financial assistance, these legislative efforts reflect our commitment to those who serve.”