LANSING, Mich. (Dec. 12, 2024) — Compared to other Midwest states, Michigan falls significantly behind when it comes to the total number of full-time professional firefighters, posing a threat to the health and safety of both first responders and residents. Senate Bill 1167, introduced by Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe), would help resolve the issue by requiring the inclusion of minimum staffing levels as a subject of collective bargaining between public employers and their employees. In response to today’s Senate passage of the legislation, Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), Majority Vice Chair of the Senate Veterans and Emergency Services Committee, issued the following statement:
“For too long, our firefighters here in Michigan have been stretched thin. This limited staffing not only results in overworked crews with a higher risk of injury and burnout, but it means delayed response times for residents in need. It means fires burn longer and injuries are left untreated.
“Firefighters shouldn’t be left under-resourced or understaffed as they respond to dangerous situations where every second matters. This legislation will empower our first responders with the tools they need to negotiate for safe staffing levels so they can get the job done safely for the people of Michigan.”
In the Legislature, Sen. Hertel has worked to champion legislation to support first responders and build safer communities, including Senate Bill 834, which recognizes the immense sacrifices of public safety officers and their families by doubling survivor benefits for those who are killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. To address Michigan’s paramedic shortage, he also sponsored Senate Bill 249, which works to cut bureaucratic red tape that could reduce time and financial barriers to becoming a paramedic.
On Dec. 3, 2024, Sen. Kevin Hertel joined Michigan firefighters on the steps of the state Capitol in support of Senate Bill 1167. Photo Credit: Megan Dombrowski, Michigan Senate Democrats
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