The Meadville Tribune
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Legislation sponsored by Sen. Michele Brooks, R-50th, to strengthen Pennsylvania’s emergency response system by addressing the volunteer firefighter shortage and fixing recent problems with emergency services grant funding is one step closer to law.
Senate Bill 466 — which would allow job training credits to count toward Firefighter I Certification, giving volunteer recruits a more flexible and practical path to achieving full credentials — was passed by the House of Representatives.
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“We need to meet volunteers where they are by acknowledging and utilizing the knowledge the firefighters already have. This bill creates a more realistic and accessible path to certification while still ensuring high standards,” said Brooks, who represents Crawford County. “This is part of a broader effort to respect the time and sacrifice of those who answer the call. From training flexibility to financial relief, I’m working to ensure our laws reflect the realities on the ground and not act as a barrier for the very people who risk their lives to save ours.”
Brooks’ bill also creates a 15-day grace period — available once every three years — for fire and emergency management services (EMS) companies to submit required state reports without needing to prove undue hardship.
“Our fire and EMS personnel are juggling careers, families and the immense responsibility of protecting our communities, often while trying to secure their own equipment through fundraisers. I’ve heard their frustration firsthand when a missed deadline puts vital funding at risk. This legislation offers a practical solution by giving departments a little breathing room, so they can stay focused on what matters most: saving lives,” Brooks said.
Brooks emphasized the importance of cutting red tape that hinders departments already stretched thin and has long championed legislation to support first responders. She authored Act 106 of 2019, which permitted online training for volunteer firefighters, allowing them to train without taking personal vacation time or leaving their families.
In addition to Senate Bill 466, Brooks has introduced several measures to further support Pennsylvania’s emergency services community, including:
- Reducing hunting and fishing license fees for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel;
- Establishing a state tax credit for volunteer emergency responders; and
- Dedicating a portion of the proceeds from major league and collegiate sporting event 50/50 raffles to the Fire Company and Emergency Services grant fund.
“Our fire and EMS departments are a fundamental necessity in protecting communities like ours,” Brooks said. “We need to assist them with receiving the tools they need to keep going strong — and growing.”
Senate Bill 466 now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law.
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