A bill introduced by state Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st, that would require Senate confirmation of the fire commissioner has moved out of committee.

Hutchinson is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 987, a measure approved Monday by the Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee.

It now moves to the Appropriations Committee, then to a full Senate vote.

The bill calls for restructuring and enhancing the Office of State Fire Commissioner by requiring Senate confirmation of the position; designating the Office of Fire Commissioner as the lead agency for fire services in the state; and establishing a State Fire Advisory Board with guaranteed membership from all regions of the state.

One of three bills

Hutchinson's legislation follows a pair of Senate bills that unanimously passed Tuesday.

All three bills are part of a package stemming from the Senate Resolution 6 report, which analyzed the state of fire and EMS companies and how legislators can help those that are underfunded and undermanned.

“It would help implement all the other things in (the SR-6 report),” Hutchinson said. “I kept thinking to myself that this is the one I want to do then.”

The SR-6 report released in 2018 was produced by a special bipartisan, bicameral legislative commission.

One bill that passed Tuesday would create a voter referendum for an expanded version of the Volunteer Fire Company, Ambulance Service and Rescue Squad Assistance program that would allow the state's 22 paid companies and 72 combination paid and volunteer companies to access the program.

A second bill that passed Tuesday would expand and extend the life of the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program, set to expire in June, to June 2024.

Fire services facing challenges

“Our fire services are doing the very best they can. They have lots of challenges getting recruits, keeping them involved and getting money,” Hutchinson said. “Is this the silver bullet? No, but we've got to start somewhere.”

Capt. Kip Johnston of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company said his department seeks grants, but the money comes with risk.

He said the department is at a loss financially if it hires a grant writer but fails to obtain the grant.

“What you have to go through to get a grant, it's difficult,” Johnston said. “It's a lot of legwork.”

Part of the expansion to the grant program would add recruitment and retention programs as viable uses for the grant.

Unionville Assistant Chief Nathan Wulff said the grant program could have a positive impact on a dire trend, especially if the grant could be used for marketing.

“One of the bigger issues we're facing is trying to get new volunteers and keeping the ones we have,” Wulff said. “The fact that they're adding recruitment and retention, that's huge.”

Wulff said the grant program has existed for a long time, and he is glad it was extended because it is “crucial” to many departments in the county.

“There's no question that this is a step in the right direction. It's just that. It's a step,” Wulff said. “In the end, it's going to be a multitude of different things from a multitude of different levels.”

Departments 'hurting real bad'

Johnston said he appreciates any government help that can make getting grants easier as long as it's not done solely to benefit a re-election campaign.

“If they're focused on helping the volunteer fire departments and EMS, then I'm all about it,” he said. “Right now, the volunteer fire departments are hurting real bad. I would like them to push harder. I know there's money out there for us, but it's tough to get.”

Fire departments host a number of fundraisers each year seeking financial support from the community.

“We have a couple of events every year we really need help with. Even buying a $5 or $10 ticket, it really helps out,” Johnston said. “Or come and volunteer. It all helps out.”