BOSCOLA BILL GOES TO GOVERNOR FOR HIS SIGNATURE Would prohibit arsonists from serving as firefighters

HARRISBURG (Nov 21) – The State Senate today sent a bill to the Governor that would prevent anyone convicted of arson from serving as a firefighter in Pennsylvania. 

If the bill is enacted, anyone convicted of a felony such as arson would be prohibited from serving as a member of a paid, municipal fire department or one of the state’s 2,664 volunteer fire departments.

Governor Rendell is expected to sign the bill.

Senator Lisa Boscola, who authored the bill, said she was shocked to learn “there are more arsonists working side-by-side with local firefighters right at this very moment than most people realize.”

Permitting arsonists to serve on local firefighting crews compromises the safety of innocent people and other firefighters, she said.

“A lot of people don’t understand the mentality of an arsonist.  It’s all about power and control,” Boscola said. “These people not only created a huge blaze, but it’s suddenly the object of massive attention.  Sometimes they’ll set the fire and then be one of the first on the scene to save the day, so to speak.  They get attention that way.” 

Firefighters being arrested for arson occurs far too often, she said.  But, to allow someone who’s been arrested for starting fires to respond to the scene of a blaze is just asking for trouble. 

“It’s a matter of common sense,” Boscola said.  “You wouldn’t want someone convicted of robbing a bank working as a bank teller, would you?  And you wouldn’t let a child molester work in a day care center, either.” 

Boscola’s bill amends the state Crimes Code to prohibit a convicted arsonist from serving as a member of a fire department and from being certified as a firefighter.

“There have been cases where a single volunteer firefighter set 26 different fires and caused a total of $2 million in damage before he was finally apprehended,” Boscola said.  “I really believe this law is long overdue.  It will protect innocent people, as well as members of fire departments who respond when these fire-starters set another fire somewhere else.” 

The Senate unanimously concurred in House amendments to the bill, Senate Bill 583. 

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