[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Guest Commentary: October 13, 2001
Good Samaritan Volunteer Firefighter Assistance Act The Honorable Rick Santorum
On September 11, our nation witnessed the tragic loss of hundreds of New York City firefighters. These American heroes are representative of the one million firefighters who protect our homes, our lives, and our communities everyday. Nearly three quarters of these firefighters are volunteers.
As we all now know so well, firefighting is an incredibly dangerous job. The men and women who voluntarily provide this community service deserve the training and equipment necessary to do it safely.
However, every year, millions of dollars worth of quality firefighting equipment is wasted. Why? In order to avoid civil liability lawsuits, heavy industry and many fire departments must destroy surplus equipment, including hoses, fire trucks, protective gear and breathing apparatus, instead of donating it to volunteer fire departments.
As a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I have introduced the Good Samaritan Volunteer Firefighter Assistance Act to address the liability concerns of potential equipment donors and end the waste of this valuable and much needed resource. If enacted, the bill will encourage donations of surplus firefighting equipment by reducing the threat of civil liability for organizations and individuals who wish to make these donations.
The Act is modeled after a bill passed by the Texas state legislature in 1997 and signed into law by then-Governor George W. Bush. Today, companies in Texas can donate surplus equipment to the Texas Forest Service, which then certifies the equipment and passes it on to volunteer fire departments.
Since 1997, the Texas program has received more than $6 million worth of equipment for volunteer fire departments. Arizona, Missouri, Indiana, and South Carolina have also passed similar legislation. The Good Samaritan Volunteer Firefighter Assistance Act will make it possible for donations to made nationally.
Volunteer firefighters are crucial to Pennsylvanians and to all Americans, yet many volunteer departments struggle to get the equipment they need to do their jobs. Right now, they are unable to take advantage of the firefighting resources available because of bureaucratic red tape and liability concerns.
The Good Samaritan Volunteer Firefighter Assistance Act is a commonsense way to help volunteer fire departments around the country get the equipment they need. This legislation will give them access to millions of dollars worth of quality equipment that will otherwise be destroyed.
I am hopeful that my colleagues will join me in supporting this bill for the volunteer firefighters who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe.
Note: Sen. Santorum writes a weekly column. The above commentary has been adapted from his column of October 12, 2001.
