By Jessica Klipa
The Bradenton Herald

MANATEE, Fla. — Fire officials who support legislation they say will save firefighters' lives when responding to a burning building celebrated a small victory in Tallahassee this week.

House and Senate committees have approved a proposal to require certain commercial, industrial and multi-unit residential structures that have lightweight roof or floor trusses to be clearly marked. The bill will have to be passed by the full Legislature, but Leigh Hollins, Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue battalion chief, is optimistic it will succeed.

"We've got a few more hurdles, but we're well on their way," Hollins said.

Hollins began e-mailing elected officials about the proposal in August because he felt Florida should adopt legislation similar to laws passed in New York and New Jersey.

Lightweight trusses were partly to blame in the collapse of a furniture store in South Carolina in June 2007 that killed nine firefighters, Hollins said.

The requirement for the sign, which will cost about $20, will not be a burden to builders, but it will make a difference in saving lives.

Southern Manatee Fire Chief Tom Hennessy accompanied Hollins on the trip to Tallahassee and is encouraged that there was little opposition from the construction industry.

"It's going to be nothing more than a small sign that just alerts the fireman that the building has this type of system," he said.

The legislation will be named in honor of two Florida firefighters, Todd Aldridge and Mark Benge, who died in 1989 after a gift shop in Orange Count crumbled.

Rep. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, is a co-sponsor of the legislation.

"To me, it seemed like a reasonable request to provide safety for those who are already willing to Risk their lives to help the citizens of Florida," he said.