House Republican Press Release

April 17, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

HOUSE APPROVES BILL TO BENEFIT VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANIES

Legislation Sponsored By Rep. Rowe Would Promote Volunteer Service From Career Firefighters

The House of Representatives today approved legislation co-sponsored by Rep. T.R. Rowe, R-Trumbull, that would prohibit municipal firefighter contracts from banning paid firefighters from serving in volunteer fire companies. House Bill 5646, An Act Concerning Volunteer Service By Paid Emergency Personnel Or Paid Firefighters, now moves to the State Senate for consideration.

Many firefighters who hold paid positions for municipalities have expressed a desire to serve in volunteer fire companies in the towns where they reside. However, a number of municipal contracts prohibit this volunteerism, said Rep. Rowe.

HB 5646 would specifically prohibit municipal firefighter contracts from banning firefighters or paid emergency personnel from serving as active members of a volunteer fire department, during personal time, in the municipality where they live. It allows municipalities to ask the state Department of Labor to help resolve any issues arising from such municipal fire agreements.

In advocating on the House Floor in favor of the bill, Rowe said, "Connecticut's volunteer fire departments do a magnificent job, and Trumbull's is second to none.  Allowing Trumbull residents who are paid firefighters in other communities to serve in Trumbull is a win/win for everyone.  Trumbull and other volunteer communities will benefit from their expertise."