Legislature Passes Fire Truck Bill

EAST SCHODACK, NY (05/20/2009)(readMedia)-- A small group of fire chiefs from across New York state was in Albany today as legislation was passed in the New York State Senate to re-establish a commercial drivers' license exemption for New York's career and volunteer firefighters. The bill passed overwhelmingly in the Assembly on Tuesday evening and was met with the same support in the Senate on Wednesday. The bill will be sent to Governor David Paterson in time to allow fire departments to participate with fire trucks in Memorial Day parades without breaking the law.

The bill, introduced by New York State Senator Brian Foley and State Assemblyman Robert Sweeney, both of Suffolk County, had seen several amendments and actions in the last several days in an effort to ensure it complied with federal Department of Transportation regulations. Bill Owen, President of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs stated, "We very glad that both houses were able to move quickly on this issue. Senator Foley and Assemblyman Sweeney put a huge amount of energy into this effort. This legislation is about much more than fire trucks in parades. It will allow fire departments to train drivers and personnel without worrying about breaking the law."

This issue was brought to the state's attention through the actions of the Suffolk County fire service. Although the law was changed in 2005, it wasn't known to fire departments until late 2008. Senator Foley and Assemblyman Sweeney quickly introduced legislation to address the issue; however, federal response to the legislation was unclear. U.S. Senator Charles Schumer contacted federal Department of Transportation officials to ensure a quick response to the issue from the federal government.

The Senate passed the bill just prior to the end of its session for the Memorial Day holiday. The bill will be sent back to the Assembly, which will be responsible for getting it to Governor Paterson's desk for signing. "Our volunteer firefighters are heroes and deserve be treated as such," said Senator Brian X. Foley (D – Blue Point). "I am proud to sponsor legislation that will protect our firefighters and allow them to serve their communities without being exposed to legal liability."

On Tuesday the bill came through three committees and was passed in the Assembly, all in a single day. "By correcting this gap in the law we are helping to insure public safety and the availability of life-saving services. In so doing we honor those who serve as firefighters. They perform their calling with bravery and commitment while ignoring the risk and peril of the dangers they find themselves facing. The legislation will help to make their jobs and the public thy serve safer."