By FireRescue1 Staff
NEW YORK — A bill criminalizing intentional interference with firefighters on EMS calls was approved by the New York state Senate this week.
The bill will make obstructing a firefighter who is providing emergency medical care a misdemeanor, reported WHEC. The legislation is intended to guarantee firefighters the same protections they are granted while performing other duties.
Legislators cited a 2004 incident in which Rochester firefighters were attacked during a medical call, but police were unable to charge the suspect.
The Senate unanimously passed the bill; it now moves to the state Assembly.