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.