HARRISBURG – A package of bills sponsored by Sen. Michele Brooks (R-50) aiming to help boost the dwindling number of volunteer firefighters across Pennsylvania and strengthen emergency response was approved by Senate committees this week.
On Tuesday, the Senate Education Committee passed Senate Bill 470, which proposes the establishment of a Firefighter Training Pilot Program for high school students. The legislation would integrate firefighter training into high school curricula, providing students with valuable skills and fostering 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,” said Brooks. “This program will help give high school students a direct pathway into emergency services and prepare them to protect our communities.”
The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness (VAEP) Committee on Wednesday approved Senate Bill 466, a measure aimed at addressing the volunteer firefighter shortage by allowing job training credits to count toward Firefighter I Certification. The bill also includes a provision to rectify the recent issue where more than 10 Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services (FCEMS) grants were rescinded after being awarded, ensuring the affected companies receive the funding they were initially granted. Many of these departments had already budgeted for the use of these funds and this fix would address that financial burden. The legislation also establishes a one-time, 15-day grace period within a three-year span for fire and EMS companies to submit required reports without demonstrating undue hardship.
“We cannot afford to lose good fire and EMS companies due to bureaucratic red tape,” said 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 approved Senate Bill 90, which Brooks co-primed, to expand access to Firefighter I Certification training. By making certification more attainable, the legislation seeks to remove barriers for those looking to enter firefighting and ensure that more individuals can access the necessary certification to protect our communities.
The Senate Finance Committee also passed Brooks’ Senate Bill 211 which proposes allowing Pennsylvania residents to donate to fire departments through the Office of State Fire Commissioner via their individual income tax returns. The collected funds would support the FCEMS Grant Program, providing essential financial resources 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,” said Brooks.
Brooks has consistently advocated for legislation to alleviate burdens on the commonwealth’s volunteer firefighters. Among her notable accomplishments, she authored Act 106 of 2019, which was signed into law and permits online training for volunteer firefighters, eliminating the need for them to use personal vacation time or travel away from their families for training.
She has also introduced several pieces of pending legislation, including bills to reduce hunting and fishing license fees for volunteer firefighters, EMS technicians and special fire police; establish a state tax credit for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians; and allocate funds from major league and collegiate sporting events to the Office of State Fire Commissioner’s FCEMS Grant Program. Brooks is also looking to extend FCEMS Grant eligibility to additional fire departments.
“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 said. “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.”
CONTACT: Fallon Binner