Penalizes Those Who Impede Emergencies
State Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky announced that the State Senate passed legislation aimed at protecting firefighters from being obstructed while they are performing emergency medical care.
“Firefighters are often called upon to save lives,” Stavisky said. “During a life or death situation, no one should prevent or prohibit a firefighter from completing his or her job.”
Under the bill (S.241), if someone obstructs a firefighter while they are performing emergency medical care, that person would be charged with a class A misdemeanor.
“Firefighters have to perform at break-neck speed, and lives are literally on the line. We can’t afford to have their efforts hampered,” the senator added. “By passing this legislation we now can put the victim first and hold the individual who obstructs the said firefighter accountable.”
The bill is awaiting action in the Assembly.
