Press Release
Available for this Press Release:
 
 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dennis Olshove
2006-05-09
(517) 373-8360

SEN. OLSHOVE INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE FIRE SAFETY APPROVED BY SENATE

BILLS MAKE MICHIGAN SAFER BY STRENGTHENING HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
LANSING- State Senator Dennis Olshove (D-Warren) announced today the passage of a legislative package that will establish a new Bureau of Fire Services intended to consolidate fire fighting resources and promote more effective and efficient fire fighting techniques. The new bureau will be within the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG).

“The over-whelming support for this initiative tells the citizens of Michigan that their safety and well-being are a priority, especially when it comes to fire-related emergencies and disasters.” Sen. Olshove said. “There is nothing more important than the safety of Michigan residents.”

The bipartisan legislation was introduced in March. It follows an executive directive issued last November by Governor Granholm ordering that planning begin immediately on a new agency that would be responsible for the fire service related aspects of the state’s homeland security and emergency response efforts. The 25 bill package will establish a Bureau of Fire Services headed by the State Fire Marshall. In addition, the legislative package will also do the following:

Improve communication and coordination among our state’s fire fighting services.

Recognize the act creating the Arson Strike Force Unit.

Transfer the Fire Fighting Training Council to the Bureau of Fire Services.

Require that local units of government apply to the Bureau of Fire Services for permits to process fireworks.

Provide tort damage immunity to firefighting instructors.