Committee Gathers Info on Merger Proposal

Responders support efforts to improve delivery of emergency services

Several officials told the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee that Pennsylvania's emergency responders generally support efforts to encourage mergers and partnerships among departments.

However, committee members and testifiers at a public hearing (Wednesday, September 6) on legislation that would provide economic incentives to departments that merge also recognize that more work is needed before the bill is finalized.

Senator Don White, Committee Chairman and prime sponsor of Senate Bill 1236, opened the hearing by cautioning that his bill is a work in progress that would be refined as it moved through the legislative process.

"This bill is not comprehensive reform.  However, it is a working document that goes beyond yet another study," Senator White said.  "SB 1236 will be improved upon based on the testimony we hear today and hopefully receive swift consideration by this committee.  No matter what shape SB 1236 finally takes, it will certainly not be the silver bullet we all seek.  It will however be a positive step toward better protecting the health and safety of the Commonwealth's citizens."

Senator Mike Waugh, primary co-sponsor of the bill, expressed his hope that the bill would further foster the spirit of cooperation that he has seen developing between departments over the last 30 years.

"This proposal is very timely. There are lots of good things going one in every county," Senator Waugh said. "I hope it will blossom into more than just encouraging cooperative efforts."

State Fire Commissioner Edward Mann said Senate Bill 1236 is a good basis for developing a comprehensive legislative initiative package that addresses a wide range of issues facing emergency responders.

"I believe I speak for all first responders statewide when I say that we collectively have a tremendous opportunity to make a meaningful difference in how we provide for public health and safety in our communities," Commissioner Mann said in testimony presented to the Committee. "Several recent studies and reports provide the road map we need to set a new direction for real change."

Joseph J. Manerchia, retired chief of the Marcus Hook Fire Department in Delaware County, said he supported the concept behind SB 1236.

"Being involved in two separate consolidations, one that involved two fire companies in a single municipality and currently one that involves three fire companies in two municipalities, I can say as a matter of fact that consolidations, mergers and partnerships provide a real solution when it comes to funding and manpower issues," Manerchia said in his testimony.

Barry Albertson, Jr., and Charles Cressley of the Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania, said their organization supported the legislation, but raised concerns that use of the term "volunteer" could unintentionally bar many non-profit ambulance providers (which employ some paid staff) from participating.

"The AAP would support the intent of Senate Bill 1236," Albertson said in his testimony. "This bill has the potential to break down a multitude of EMS interagency barriers and bring EMS agencies together by providing a positive incentive to strengthen the EMS system from both a local and statewide perspective."