Legislature(2015 - 2016)CAPITOL 106
02/24/2015 08:00 AM House STATE AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB56 | |
| HB22 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 56 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 22 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HB 56-ALASKA FIREFIGHTERS' DAY
8:02:43 AM
CHAIR LYNN announced that the first order of business was HOUSE
BILL NO. 56, "An Act establishing Alaska Firefighters' Day."
[CHAIR LYNN handed the gavel to Vice Chair Keller.]
8:03:15 AM
CHAIR LYNN, as joint prime sponsor, introduced HB 56 and stated
that firefighters run into burning buildings to rescue people at
the risk of their own lives. He said they fight forest fires
and respond during natural disasters, such as the Good Friday
Earthquake on March 27, 1964. Further, he noted that
firefighters are first responders to medical emergencies; they
save lives by administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
and using defibrillators and the "jaws of life." He said
firefighters even collect funds for charities. Chair Lynn said
the proposed legislation honors firefighters with their own
special day, and he opined that they deserve the recognition.
8:04:49 AM
ESTHER MILKE, Staff, Representative Bob Lynn, Alaska State
Legislature, presented HB 56 on behalf of Representative Lynn,
joint prime sponsor. She echoed Representative Lynn's remark
that the proposed legislation would establish a day to honor
firefighters in the state and thank them for the work they do to
keep people safe. She said HB 56 would designate the Sunday
preceding October 9th as Alaska Firefighters' Day. She said
that particular date was chosen, because it marks the beginning
of National Fire Prevention Week, which was established to
commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. She concluded, "We
hope this bill will help all Alaskans to remember to take the
time to appreciate and thank the firefighters that keep us safe
every day."
8:05:57 AM
KELLY NICOLELLO, Director/State Fire Marshal, Division of Fire
and Life Safety, Department of Public Safety, related there are
approximately 1,500 firefighters in Alaska, made up of career,
municipal, borough, wild land, and airport firefighters.
Additionally, there are approximately 6,000 volunteer municipal,
borough, village, and wild land firefighters, and all are
considered professionals that serve their communities with their
heart, soul, pocketbook, and sometimes even their lives. He
said the vast majority are volunteers that have full-time
careers. Mr. Nicolello said all firefighters dedicate many
extra hours in education and training to prepare as emergency
responders, and they ask for little or no material return for
their services. He posited that the general public does not
understand the sacrifice of time and commitment it takes to
serve as a firefighter.
MR. NICOLELLO explained that firefighters have a deep pride in
what they do and their self-respect and satisfaction comes from
knowing they make an immediate and impactful difference when
someone is having one of their worst moments. He further
explained that they make things right; they console; they save
lives and property; and if you ask any one of them, that's good
enough for them. Nevertheless, he stated that respect and
expressed appreciation are currencies firefighters truly
appreciate. He emphasized the positive effect of raising
appreciation of firefighters to the state level and opined that
Alaska Firefighters' Day would be a great way to demonstrate
that their personal involvement means more than what happens
locally, that "the service they perform has a direct impact on
the quality of life of those around them and is recognized as a
positive contribution to Alaska as a whole."
MR. NICOLELLO said he thought it was appropriate to recognize
firefighters during Fire Prevention Week, because it is a week
when people remember those firefighters who lost their lives
during the performance of their duties, and it is a time when
there is a focus on educating children in the principles of fire
safety throughout schools and community organizations. He
added, "And what a better day than a Sunday to thank God for
what they do and show them the appreciation they deserve?" He
asked the committee to move HB 56 forward.
8:08:44 AM
JEFF TUCKER, Second Vice President, Alaska Fire Chief's
Association (AFCA), testified in support of HB 56 and echoed Mr.
Nicolello's statement that firefighters across the state
sacrifice much to serve their communities. He noted there is
already a day when those firefighters who have fallen in the
line of duty are recognized, and he emphasized the importance of
celebrating Alaska firefighters and their commitment and service
to communities. He said people sometimes take for granted the
job firefighters perform until they need them, and opined that
it is appropriate for Alaskans to take a day to pause and
celebrate the service of firefighters.
VICE CHAIR KELLER, after ascertaining no one further wished to
testify, closed public testimony on HB 56.
8:10:23 AM
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES moved to report HB 56 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being no objection, HB 56 was reported out of the
House State Affairs Standing Committee.
CHAIR LYNN thanked committee members for supporting HB 56.