Mass. Passes Law to Protect Vol. Firefighters Jobs

State Rep. Todd M. Smola, R-Palmer, joined his colleagues in the state House of Representatives recently in passing legislation to protect the primary jobs of call and volunteer firefighters.

This legislation adds a level of job protection for call and volunteer firefighters to the current statute that protects them from being dismissed from their primary job if they arrive late for work because they were fighting a fire. This legislation broadens the responsibilities of call and volunteer firefighters that may be excused by primary employers to include natural disasters, emergency medical response, and hazardous material incidents.

"This legislation adds a measure of job security for our volunteer firefighters across the Commonwealth," said Mr. Smola. "These men and women, who commit themselves to protecting their communities, deserve to know that they will not face dismissal from their regular full-time jobs because they have responded to an emergency situation during normal working hours."

"At a time when jobs are scarce, we must do all we can to protect jobs," said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, D-Winthrop.

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