Firefighter Safety Bill Signed Into Law
CONIFER, Colo. (CBS4)- Gov. John Hickenlooper signed a bill into law that increases firefighter safety.
Gov. Hickenlooper signed the bill into law at Elk Creek Station 1 in Conifer.
The measure creates $3.25 million a year for fire departments across Colorado to buy protective equipment and training to increase firefighters safety.
"Colorado is home to almost 400 different fire districts. Although some are career districts, the majority of them are volunteer. Many fire departments, especially the rural fire departments, don't have sufficient funding to purchase the right equipment to make sure we're protecting firefighters," said Hickenlooper.
"I think this bill is a small step but it's a strong step in making sure that we recognize those folks that are keeping us safe, we have a responsibility to keep them safe."
The Elk Creek Fire Department was chosen to host this event in part as recognition for being a model combination department, representing both career and volunteer firefighters.