FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2005
Contact: Kristen Ebersole
(717) 787-3817
ekelly@pasen.gov
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Senators Receive Report on Status of Emergency Services Legislators Detail Agenda for Helping Pennsylvania's First Responders

HARRISBURG - Recognizing the major issues facing Pennsylvania's firefighters and ambulance services, the Senate is poised to consider recommendations made by a bi-partisan commission established last year to study emergency services across the Commonwealth.

Senator Don White (R-Indiana), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness, was joined by Senators Richard A. Kasunic (D-Fayette), Mike Waugh (R-York) and Sean Logan (D-Allegheny) for a news conference today to formally accept the report and to discuss the Senate agenda for addressing the Commission's recommendations.

The 25 member Commission, chaired by Dr. William F. Jenaway, CFPS, CFO, was established under the provisions of Senate Resolution 60 of 2003, a measure introduced by Senator Waugh. Senators Kasunic, Logan and Waugh all served on the SR 60 Commission.

"The Commission had a daunting task in attempting to compile a report that comprehensively detailed the issues facing emergency services providers across the Commonwealth," Senator White said. "Recognizing that, the Commission wisely focused on specific concerns such as recruitment and delivery of services, issues that seemed to be most common among fire departments and ambulance corps across the state. Through that focus, the Commission developed a set of recommendations that will serve us well as the first step toward providing needed assistance to Pennsylvania's emergency service providers."

Senator Kasunic agreed that the SR 60 Commission provided the Senate with valuable background information.

"Thanks to their effort, we now have a framework in place to begin crafting legislation that addresses issues important to our brave and dedicated fire and emergency service volunteers," Senator Kasunic said. "I am proud to be part of this bipartisan effort and look forward to working together as we begin the process of drafting legislation to put the commission's good work into place."

As part of Tuesday's press conference, Senator White and Senator Kasunic officially recognized the members of the Senate Resolution 60 Commission and commended the group for its efforts.

After the formal recognition ceremony, Senator Waugh and Senator Logan detailed the Senate outline for acting on the Commission's recommendations.

"We are looking at three main focus areas: existing systems; existing funding programs; and future innovations," said Senator Waugh, a former volunteer firefighter who serves as Chairman of the Senate Fire and Emergency Service Caucus. "The SR 60 Commission provided us with guidelines by which we can look at those areas of interest and develop legislation that provides the maximum benefits to Pennsylvania's firefighters and emergency medical service providers."

Senator Logan said the Senate is preparing to act on the Commission's recommendations.

"We are already in the process of developing a plan of how to address most effectively the various needs brought to light in the SR 60 report. We're going to look at updating current laws and regulations, study the effectiveness of current funding and look for ways to fund new initiatives. We're also planning to expand recruitment and retention efforts, as well as enhance what the state offers to first responders," said Senator Logan, who serves as Democratic Chairman of the Senate Fire and Emergency Service Caucus. "We are thankful to the commission for giving us such a well-crafted game-plan to work from, and we are confident that our bipartisan efforts will yield positive results."