House Republican Press Release

June 11, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Perillo Attends Signing of Firefighter Bill Into Law

HARTFORD- Shelton State Representative Jason Perillo (R-Shelton) joined Governor M. Jodi Rell and other officials as she signed HR 5646, An Act Concerning Volunteer Service by Paid Emergency Personnel or Paid Firefighters into law yesterday. 

The new law 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 House floor in favor of the bill during the 2008 regular session of the General Assembly.

The new law 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.

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

“This has always been about promoting the spirit of volunteerism,” said Perillo.  “Why would we want to have a system where people who have tremendous experience, knowledge and education in the area of emergency services are turned away when they offer to volunteer them to their hometown?  This new law enables experienced professionals right here in Shelton to begin giving to their communities and neighbors.”

The new law takes effect immediately.