May. 25, 2018
HARRISBURG – The House of Representatives yesterday voted
175-0 in favor of legislation designating Sept. 27 of each year as “First Responders Day” in Pennsylvania, Rep. David Maloney (R-Berks) announced.
The measure,
House Bill 760, is being sponsored by Maloney because he is a strong believer in volunteerism and a community of neighbors who look out for each other. The vast majority of Pennsylvanians depend on volunteers for fire protection and EMS services – 97 percent of all fire services in Pennsylvania are staffed by volunteers.
“So far, a few states and some cities have created such a day, but Congress has not acted,” Maloney said. “In Pennsylvania, we have offered a resolution each year to honor them, but I strongly feel we should have a permanent day set aside for them. I also want to give special thanks to the House Veterans and Emergency Preparedness Committee chairman, Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware), for helping me get the bill moved to the full House for consideration. Steve is a Navy veteran and he understands service and sacrifice.”
Approximately 150,000 first responders perform these crucial services in this Commonwealth; and 30,000 sworn police officers protect lives and property, detect and prevent crimes and uphold the law and ensure justice.
“They make real personal sacrifices to protect our communities,” Maloney said. “The point is that, like our armed forces, thousands of first responders have made the ultimate sacrifice.”
According to FEMA and
EMS1.com, 38 firefighters have been killed in the line of duty in 2018 and seven EMTs/firefighter-paramedics have been killed. The Officer Down Memorial Page is up to 60 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in 2018.
“Justice Louis Brandeis once said, ‘The only title in our democracy superior to that of President is the title of citizen,’” Maloney said. “These men and women are what I call our ultimate citizens. It isn’t too much to ask to set aside a day of honor and remembrance for all of them.”
Representative David Maloney
130th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Charles Lardner
717.260.6443
clardner@pahousegop.com
RepMaloney.com