House Republican Press Release

June 9, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

GOV. RELL SIGNS LEGISLATION TO BENEFIT VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANIES

Bill Sponsored By Rep. Scribner Will Promote Volunteer Service From Career Firefighters

Governor M. Jodi Rell today signed legislation into law cosponsored by Rep. David Scribner (R-Brookfield, Bethel) that will prohibit municipal firefighter contracts from banning paid firefighters from serving in volunteer fire companies. Public Act 08-131, An Act Concerning Volunteer Service By Paid Emergency Personnel Or Paid Firefighters, becomes effective immediately.

According to Rep. Scribner, 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. 

HB 5646 will 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.

"Both Brookfield and Bethel are 100 percent dependent upon the services of volunteer firefighters,” said Rep. Scribner. “We are extremely fortunate to have such dedicated public servants. Ensuring that firefighters who also serve in paid positions in other towns can volunteer their time in communities where they reside will help further enhance public safety."