House Republican Press Release

April 17, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Kalinowski Supports Bill to Allow Paid Firefighters to Volunteer in Their Hometowns

HARTFORD- Representative Ray Kalinowski (R-100) today voted in favor of a bill that allows municipalities with paid emergency personnel and municipalities with volunteer emergency personnel to enter into agreements authorizing paid personnel to serve during personal time as active members of a volunteer fire department in the municipality where they live.  Kalinowski serves as Ranking Member of the legislature’s Public Safety Committee and spoke on the floor in favor of the bill.

“I can’t think of a single good reason to stand in the way of a professional firefighter or emergency technician who wanted to volunteer in their hometown using the skills, talents and education they have developed on their job,” said Kalinowski.

The bill also prohibits municipalities from entering into any contract prohibiting paid firefighters or paid emergency personnel from serving as active members of a volunteer fire department, during personal time, in the municipality where they live.

“Everyone who serves in the House of Representatives appreciates the dedication of those who have dedicated their lives to being firefighters and emergency responders,” said Kalinowski.  “This measure was bi-partisan and overwhelmingly approved.”

The bill passed the House by a vote of 127-19.  It now heads to the Senate for action there.

The 2008 session of the Connecticut General Assembly will adjourn at midnight, Wednesday, May 7^th.