VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL LEGISLATION PASSES BOTH HOUSES
The Fallen Firefighter Memorial legislation (S.4655/A.5933) has just passed both houses. The bill, sponsored by Senator Skelos and Assemblyman Weisenberg, requires the names of volunteer firefighters that have died in the line of duty to be inscribed upon the New York State Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Albany.
David Jacobowitz, President of FASNY commented on the legislation as, "A long-awaited breakthrough bringing the proper recognition to our fallen firefighters and providing for their families a place for them to remember their lost loved ones."
The bill is expected to go to the Governor for signature within the next several weeks.
As most already know, the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York and FASNY have been working together to change the "bail out rope law" to achieve a reasonable safety solution for all fire departments in the state.
Senator Mark Grisanti and Assemblyman Dennis Gabryszak, (both of Erie County) have introduced legislative bill numberS.2600/A.2949. This bill would allow a fire department to address rapid egress for firefighters from above grade floors through SOP's, training and equipment including but not limited to full bail out rope systems.
We need everyone to call their legislators TODAY as the Legislature goes home on June 20th. The bills are close to moving in both houses and just need a final push. Even if you've already purchased bail out equipment we need your support. Legislation should NEVER be passed that specifies the equipment we carry and this law needs to be amended to right that wrong.
Let the legislature know they need to change this NOW by supporting the passage of S.2600/A.2949.
You can call 24 hours a day and even send email.
You can look up your Assembly representative by zip code, and get their contact information at:
This bill is supported by NYSAFC, FASNY, the Association of Fire Districts and Fire Coordinators' Association. Let your legislator see the strength in our numbers.