Branford Man Inspires Fire Police Bill Included in DMV Legislation

The following information is courtesy of Rep. Camillo's Office

The Connecticut General Assembly’s committee on Transportation has drafted a bill to enhance protection for fire police personnel that are required to direct traffic. Originally put forth by State Rep. Fred Camillo (R-151), the bill would make it an infraction for not obeying traffic signals given by fire police officers. Camillo submitted the original version of the bill to the Transportation committee; it received such high approval that it was adopted by the committee. Now, Camillo strongly supports the bill as a Co-Sponsor.

The inspiration for this bill came from Peter Sachs, Attorney and Captain of the Branford Fire Police. There was also an incident in Camillo’s own district that added to the importance of raising the bill. During a severe storm in early August of 2011, a man ignored Fire Police warnings and walked directly under a live wire that had been snapped in half. The surrounding streets were closed to traffic. Rather than heading the warnings of the fire police officer, the man walked under the live wire, got in his car and attempted to drive past the Fire Police Officer. Instead, he hooked the man onto his mirror and dragged him about 20 feet before the Officer could set himself free. He suffered minor injuries. 

“The Fire Police are the ones we see protecting the First Responders. When they give traffic signals at an accident scene or fire, they and the public need to know that they do so with the legal authority that carries with it consequences of disobeying these signals. It is very important to public safety that this authority is granted to those who are putting themselves in harm's way so that the public is protected without interference or chaos,” said Rep. Camillo.

The bill (HB 5252) was referred to the joint committee on transportation. Because it has been drafted by the committee it has a significant chance of being put into law by the Connecticut General Assembly. If it is put into law, it will be effective on October 1, 2013. 

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