House Republican Press Release

April 17, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

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

HARTFORD- State Representative Jason Perillo (R-113) 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.  Perillo spoke on the floor in favor of the bill.

Perillo, who also serves as the chief of Echo Hose Ambulance in Shelton, says the need for the bill is obvious from his interaction with paid firefighters who like to also volunteer their services in their hometowns.

“If a paid firefighter who has received the extensive training necessary to be a firefighter wants to volunteer his skills and expertise for the benefit of his hometown, we shouldn’t be standing in the way of that,” said Perillo.  “We should be glad that these brave men and women who are trained in this important public safety role are willing to make the sacrifice of their personal time to benefit the town in which they live.”

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.

“I was pleased to work with Democrats across the aisle to make this bill happen,” said Perillo.  “This bill will be extremely helpful in a number of communities, particularly Shelton, and allow neighbors to help neighbors.”

The bill was also supported by Rep. Larry Miller (R-122).

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.