Honoring Firefighters

While the GOP continues its assault on Montana’s firefighters, Democrats are working to ensure these heroes get the respect and treatment they deserve.

Two bills were heard in committee today that protected the benefits of our firefighters.

The first, from Rep. Mary McNally, guarantees that firefighters continue to receive a portion of their salaries if they are injured in the line of duty. A bill like this seems like common sense; it’ll be interesting to see what the GOP response to the bill is.

The second, from Rep. Ellie Hill, provides for workers compensation for firefighters who are diagnosed with certain diseases related to their service. As we know, firefighters put their lives on the line to protect their communities. However, some often forget that the danger doesn’t end when they extinguish the fire. In the line of their duties, they are subject to extreme conditions and often suffer long-lasting effects from the smoke and heat. This bill would ensure that these heroes are not forgotten when the flames are out. It provides them with workers compensation insurance if they are diagnosed with these diseases.

The GOP should follow the lead of Democrats, and stop trying to make the lives of our firefighting heroes more difficult, and instead make sure that their risks aren’t forgotten.