Brewer Champions Bill to Protect Call/Volunteer Firefighters

(Boston) – Senator Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) announced that the Senate has passed a bill that will protect call/volunteer firefighters from being fired from their regular jobs for being late to work after responding to EMS calls, hazmat calls, natural disasters and other emergencies, not just fires. 

“This is an important bill that will protect the brave call/volunteer firefighters who selflessly put their lives on the line for those in need,” said Brewer.  “Many small communities throughout the Commonwealth rely on the services of these men and women as a first response to many emergencies, not just fires. We must ensure that they are able to do this job without fear of ramifications from their employer.”

Current law only provides protections if a call/volunteer firefighter were late to work because of a fire, not another type of emergency.  The law requires the employee to notify the employer of the reasons for the failure to appear and, if requested, to produce documentation from the fire department chief.  Under this bill, a statement from the chief of the ambulance department would also be acceptable.  An employer is not required to pay the employee for hours not worked. 

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Posted: Wed, Jun 13, 2012
Updated Wed, Jun 13, 2012