Every year on October 28th, we come together as a nation to recognize and celebrate the brave men and women who stand on the front lines during our most challenging moments. National First Responders Day is a time to honor the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and other emergency personnel who respond to calls for help, often risking their own lives to protect and serve their communities. 

First responders are the backbone of public safety. They are the first ones there when we need them most, working under extreme conditions to save lives, restore order, and provide immediate care. These individuals often work long hours, put themselves in dangerous situations, and deal with high-stress environments to ensure the safety and well-being of others. 

State Representative Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville) has filed his first bills in the 104th General Assembly, both measures to benefit volunteer first responders.

Rep. Schweizer’s first bill, HB 1353, amends the Volunteer Emergency Worker Protection Act to ensure that volunteer first responders are protected when they need to be absent from their full-time jobs due to mandatory training required for volunteer first responders or when they need to be absent to respond to an emergency. The legislation makes four main changes:

Every year on October 28th, we come together as a nation to recognize and celebrate the brave men and women who stand on the front lines during our most challenging moments. National First Responders Day is a time to honor the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and other emergency personnel who respond to calls for help, often risking their own lives to protect and serve their communities.