Senate Gives Preliminary Approval to Bill Protecting Volunteer Firefighters

The State Senate has voted to protect volunteer firefighters whose work might make them late for their jobs. Senator Kevin Engler of Farmington says volunteer firefighters should not be disciplined or fired because they’re protecting their communities. He says employers can dock the volunteers’ salaries for the hours missed, but they can’t use their firefighting as a reason to dismiss the firefighters. The Senate has tentatively approved the bill. A final vote sending it to the House will come later.