HLS 21RS-2558 ORIGINAL
2021 Regular Session
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 99
BY REPRESENTATIVE FONTENOT
FIRE PROTECT/FIRE MARSHAL: Requests Louisiana State University and the office of
state fire marshal to work collaboratively to enhance firefighter training
1 A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
2To urge and request Louisiana State University and the office of state fire marshal to work
3 together to enter into the necessary agreements to enhance the training of firefighters
4 to reduce the number of fatalities in the state of Louisiana, reduce the costs of fire
5 prevention and fire suppression, and reduce the costs associated with property
6 damage caused by fire or explosion.
7 WHEREAS, the hazards of fire explosion and panic arising from the threat of fire
8and explosion will continue to impact the lives of Louisiana citizens, with seventy-seven
9lives being lost in 2020 and property damage and fire suppression costs estimated to be in
10the tens of millions; and
11 WHEREAS, it is imperative that the government agencies and associations, entrusted
12with the protection of lives and property from fire and explosion or the threat thereof, and
13the training of our career and volunteer emergency service personnel, related to fire
14prevention, fire suppression, and arson and fire investigation, come together to develop
15strategies for providing enhanced and advanced training and training programs; and
16 WHEREAS, R.S. 40:1541 officially designates Louisiana State University as the
17official agency of the state to conduct training for municipal and industrial firefighters; and
18 WHEREAS, R.S. 40:1541 creates the Louisiana Fire and Emergency Training
19Commission, composed mainly of members of the fire service, to provide advice, guidance,
20and recommendations to Louisiana State University related to matters, including but not
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HCR NO. 99
1limited to aspects of the conduct of fire and emergency training and training programs,
2prioritization of training, personnel; and
3 WHEREAS, R.S. 40:1563 et seq. mandates the state fire marshal take all steps
4necessary and proper to protect life and property from the hazards of fire and of panic which
5may arise from fire, the threat of fire, or explosion to include fire prevention, arson and fire
6investigation, and emergency response; and
7 WHEREAS, the office of state fire marshal conducts internal and external training
8related to fire prevention, life safety inspection, and arson and fire investigation; and
9 WHEREAS, modern day business practices, as well as accountability, both with
10funds and personnel, are paramount, and the collaborative sharing of resources bring about
11improved public safety; and
12 WHEREAS, it is believed that both Louisiana State University and the office of state
13fire marshal are both fully committed to creating and improving firefighter and emergency
14training in the state of Louisiana; and
15 WHEREAS, it is believed that these collaborative efforts between Louisiana State
16University and the office of state fire marshal should ultimately result in the statutory
17obligation for firefighter and emergency training being transferred from Louisiana State
18University to the office of state fire marshal.
19 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
20urge and request that Louisiana State University and the office of state fire marshal, working
21together, enter into the necessary agreements to enhance the training of firefighters to reduce
22the number of fatalities in the state of Louisiana, reduce the costs of fire prevention and fire
23suppression, and reduce the costs associated with property damage caused by fire or
24explosion.
25 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
26chairman of the Louisiana Fire and Emergency Training Commission and the state fire
27marshal.
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HCR NO. 99
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HCR 99 Original 2021 Regular Session Fontenot
Urges and requests Louisiana State University and the office of state fire marshal to work
together to agree upon firefighter training enhancements to reduce fatalities and costs.
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