The second meeting of the Legislative Study Committee on Firefighter and EMT Volunteer Shortages is scheduled for Tuesday, August 30 starting at 9:30 a.m. in Room 412 East at the State Capitol, Madison.  >> Click for meeting agenda.  The first meeting was held on July 26, and additional meetings are scheduled monthly until the end of the year.

>> Click for information regarding the Legislative Study Committee, to include member names, meeting minutes and information, PowerPoint presentations, audio recordings and more.

The Study Committee is directed to examine issues related to the shortage of volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in the state, particularly in rural areas, and propose measures to address the shortage. Specifically, the Study Committee shall study all of the following: (a) the magnitude of volunteer shortages, the areas of the state most affected, and the potential impact of shortages on public health and safety and economic development; (b) whether current training and continuing education requirements contribute to the shortage; (c) relationships between full-time and volunteer emergency response departments and the impact that the shortage of volunteers has on nonvolunteer departments in neighboring communities; and (d) whether the creation of organizations, particularly in rural areas, may help address the shortage. The committee shall develop legislative options to meet needs identified.