Solobay’s first responder legislation signed into law
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tim Solobay, D-Canonsburg, that allows costs related to advanced life support or paramedic training to be paid for by volunteer firefighters’ relief association funds was signed into law as Act 65.
“It is important that the General Assembly address the needs of first responders,” Solobay said. “First-responder organizations face significant financial hurdles and we can do more to help these volunteers serve the community.”
Gov. Tom Corbett signed Solobay’s measure Thursday. The bill passed both the state Senate and House of Representatives unanimously.
Solobay, who has been a member of the Canonsburg Volunteer Fire Department since 1978 and has served as chief, said that it is appropriate to use volunteer relief association funds because it is “critical that first-responders continually receive up-to-date training so that more lives can be saved.”
Under current law, there are 16 separate categories that can be funded with relief association funds. Act 65 expands the list to include the reasonable expenses of those who attend emergency medical technician or paramedic training schools.