Nov. 20, 2017
HARRISBURG – Legislation that seeks to help fire companies better respond to emergencies has passed the House and is on its way to the Senate, said Rep. Gary Day (R-Lehigh/Berks), sponsor of the proposal.
Day’s
House Bill 558 would expand the eligible use of volunteer fire relief funds to address a growing need for fire companies – the ability for its members to obtain a Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). State law only permits the fire relief funds to be used for certain expenses, including training.
“The benefits of this legislation are two-fold,” Day explained. “First, helping volunteers obtain a CDL will allow for the safer operation of fire vehicles, and second, ensuring that drivers have their CDLs will help overall safety protocol. We all know that when a call goes out, time is of the essence, and fire companies need trained drivers behind the wheel.”
The safe operation of fire apparatus to and from the scene of an emergency ensures the safety of not only the public, but the firefighters who may be passengers on the apparatus. When a call goes out for a response requiring the services of a fire company, especially when fire is involved, timing is critical and the safe operation of a fire vehicle during times of stress should be paramount.
“Our volunteer firefighters dedicate their time to keep our communities safe, and it is the top priority of the government to assure the safety and welfare of all citizens,” Day added. “To keep communities safe, volunteer firefighters are crucial. The cost of obtaining a CDL should be an eligible item under the relief law for volunteer firefighters and this legislation will achieve those ends.”
Representative Gary Day
187th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
RepGaryDay.com /
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