New bipartisan legislation will help firefighters upgrade their facilities
Fire chiefs across Georgia back Sen. Ossoff’s legislation
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is working across the aisle to upgrade Georgia’s fire stations and improve public safety.
Today, Sen. Ossoff and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced the bipartisan Fire Station Improvement Act of 2022 to help local fire departments make improvements, repairs, and renovations at their local facilities.
“When your home is on fire, every minute counts for you and your children. There’s no worse nightmare than a fire in the middle of the night but no timely rescue. My bipartisan Fire Station Improvement Act of 2022 will help ensure every family and every community in Georgia is served by fire and rescue services,” said Sen. Ossoff. “This bill will help Georgia’s heroic firefighters upgrade their facilities to the highest standards.”
“Every day, America’s firefighters put their lives on the line for their communities. At a bare minimum, Congress should ensure that these brave men and women have what they need to succeed, including access to the best tools, facilities, and resources,” said Sen. Hawley. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Ossoff on this legislation that will cut red tape so firefighters can have the tools to do their jobs.”
Local fire chiefs and first responders across Georgia applauded the introduction of Sen. Ossoff’s legislation:
“The Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire is here to support Georgia’s local fire officials who risk their lives every day to protect their communities,” said Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King. “The Fire Station Improvement Act of 2022 will help ensure these brave men and women have the facilities and resources they need to get the job done and I’m proud to support this important legislation.”
“Our firefighters deserve facilities that reflect the world-class department that we embody, and this bill would assist the City of Atlanta with essential maintenance, repairs, and renovations that keep our city’s 1st responders efficient and service ready,” said Atlanta Fire Rescue Department Chief Roderick Smith. “We thank Senator Ossoff for his work to move this important legislation forward.”
“Senator Ossoff and his team have listened to our concerns about making overdue renovations at fire houses across our county,” said Columbus Fire Department Chief Sal Scarpa. “We appreciate the great steps the Senator has taken to address these issues and ensure that our fire stations have the resources and living conditions necessary to protect the residents of Columbus.”
“Improving the functionality of our facilities is critical to the efficiency of our department’s operations,” said Augusta Fire Department Chief Antonio Burden. “Senator Ossoff’s new bill would help us pay for better housing, and other essential upgrades, for our courageous firefighters and staff. Our house, is your house! Opportunities to address our critical infrastructure directly correlates to a safer community!”
“I thank Senators Ossoff and Hawley for introducing this important legislation. Many fire stations across the nation are more than 40 years old and require updates to safety and health codes and equitable workspaces,” said Chief Kenneth W. Stuebing, BHSc, CCP(f), President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. “This legislation will allow fire departments to make necessary improvements to their fire stations to protect the health and safety of both firefighters and the public. The IAFC asks the Senate to move quickly to pass this legislation.”
Sen. Ossoff continues his work to support first responders in Georgia and cross the country.
Last year, Sen. Ossoff introduced the bipartisan HELPER ACT to make homeownership more affordable for first responders, police officers, and teachers nationwide.
In May, Sen. Ossoff also pushed to strengthen programs that help law enforcement officials better respond to calls involving individuals suffering from mental health crises.
Click here to read the Fire Station Improvement Act of 2022.
# # #
