House Republican Press Release

April 17, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Klarides Supports Bill to Allow Paid Firefighters to Volunteer in Their Hometowns

HARTFORD- Deputy House Republican Leader Themis Klarides (R-Derby) today voted in favor of a bill that allows municipalities with paid emergency personnel and municipalities with volunteer emergency personnel to enter into agreements authorizing paid personnel to serve during personal time as active members of a volunteer fire department in the municipality where they live. 

“When firefighters and emergency professionals want to give of their personal time to the community they live in, we should allow that,” said Representative Klarides.  “These individuals already have the vital training and experience necessary, and this measure allows neighbors to help neighbors.”

The bill also prohibits municipalities from entering into any contract prohibiting paid firefighters or paid emergency personnel from serving as active members of a volunteer fire department, during personal time, in the municipality where they live.

“There was a bi-partisan effort to get this measure passed,” added Klarides.  “All members of the House clearly appreciate the sacrifice and dedication of our firefighters and emergency service personnel, and want to make certain that they can use their skills and training to benefit their own communities.”

The bill passed the House by a vote of 127-19.  It now heads to the Senate for action there.

The 2008 session of the Connecticut General Assembly will adjourn at midnight, Wednesday, May 7^th.