"The votes are in" as they say.  However, this time it's another step in the process to correct one of the biggest challenges facing emergency services in Wisconsin and the nation - building up the number of community volunteer firefighters and EMTs.

The process started with the state's Joint Legislative Council creating a study committee on volunteer firefighter and EMT shortages.  Study committee members began their work in July, and concluded it this past December by individually casting ballots for proposed legislation.   >> Click for study committee vote tallies by proposed legislation.

The next step is for the Joint Legislative Council to schedule a meeting to receive the committee's report and hold votes on proposed legislation they wish to move forward to the full legislature, to include public hearings.

On Tuesday, December 13, PAAW completed an EMS Live in Wisconsin podcast with Legislative Study Committee members John Eich and Dana Sechler.  Both offered an update on work of the committee, pending vote and what it all means.  >> Click for on-demand podcast playback.