HARRISBURG –(November 27, 2019) Joining in the state’s efforts to attract and retain firefighters, Sen. Michele Brooks said her legislation to make firefighter training more available and affordable was signed into law by the governor today.
“Firefighters have repeatedly asked for options to the current system of training, which can be costly and time-consuming, often demanding travel and time away from work and family,” Sen. Brooks said.
Sen. Brooks served as an appointee to the Senate Resolution 6 Commission, which recommended online training as one of its core suggestions to ease the staffing shortage affecting today’s firefighters.
“Training requirements are often cited as a barrier to recruitment and retention,” Sen. Brooks said. “Firefighters, and especially younger, more tech-savvy firefighters, suggest that online training will help them learn in the comfort of their own homes, at times more convenient to them,” giving them the tools they need to better protect their fellow residents and themselves as they answer the call to help save lives and property.
Senate Bill 146 ensures that online training would be voluntary and free to firefighters. All available courses would be listed online, and developed under the leadership of the state Fire Commissioner.
“On behalf of our communities, I extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all firefighters, who run into danger when others are fleeing, and who risk their own lives to save the lives of others,” Sen. Brooks said. “I hope our ranks will soon grow substantially, as we reward the life-saving work of our firefighters and endeavor to make training easier, more economical, and more convenient to obtain.”
Contact: Diane McNaughton (717) 787-1322