HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh) to establish a new state program that recognizes Pennsylvania’s fallen first responders passed unanimously in the House of Representatives last week. House Bill 358 now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Mackenzie’s proposal would create the Keystone First Responder Award to honor those public servants who were either killed or suffered a career ending injury in the line of duty.

“The Commonwealth’s first responders answer the call to protect people and/or property every day, often risking their own safety,” said Mackenzie. “This award will honor and commemorate those first responders who have made profound commitments while performing their duties.”

Mackenzie noted those eligible for the award would include law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, coroners, 911 dispatchers, and other first responders.

The legislation would call for the creation of a committee to administer and develop the criteria for the award. The committee would include the state fire commissioner, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency director, the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services director within the Department of Health, the Department of General Services director, the Pennsylvania State Police commissioner, the Pennsylvania State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association president, the Pennsylvania National Emergency Number Association director, the Pennsylvania State Coroners Association director, and the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association director.

The committee would provide a list of potential recipients to the governor who would then choose the honorees and present the award annually at the end of September.

To view Mackenzie’s floor remarks in support of the bill, visit here.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Andy Briggs
Representative Ryan Mackenzie
134th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
http://www.repmackenzie.com/

 

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