ENROLLED
2021 Regular Session
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 99
BY REPRESENTATIVE FONTENOT
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To urge and request Louisiana State University and the office of state fire marshal to work
together to enter into the necessary agreements to enhance the training of firefighters
to reduce the number of fatalities in the state of Louisiana, reduce the costs of fire
prevention and fire suppression, and reduce the costs associated with property
damage caused by fire or explosion.
WHEREAS, the hazards of fire explosion and panic arising from the threat of fire
and explosion will continue to impact the lives of Louisiana citizens, with seventy-seven
lives being lost in 2020 and property damage and fire suppression costs estimated to be in
the tens of millions; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative that the government agencies and associations, entrusted
with the protection of lives and property from fire and explosion or the threat thereof, and
the training of our career and volunteer emergency service personnel, related to fire
prevention, fire suppression, and arson and fire investigation, come together to develop
strategies for providing enhanced and advanced training and training programs; and
WHEREAS, R.S. 40:1541 officially designates Louisiana State University as the
official agency of the state to conduct training for municipal and industrial firefighters; and
WHEREAS, R.S. 40:1541 creates the Louisiana Fire and Emergency Training
Commission, composed mainly of members of the fire service, to provide advice, guidance,
and recommendations to Louisiana State University related to matters, including but not
limited to aspects of the conduct of fire and emergency training and training programs,
prioritization of training, personnel; and
WHEREAS, R.S. 40:1563 et seq. mandates the state fire marshal take all steps
necessary and proper to protect life and property from the hazards of fire and of panic which
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may arise from fire, the threat of fire, or explosion to include fire prevention, arson and fire
investigation, and emergency response; and
WHEREAS, the office of state fire marshal conducts internal and external training
related to fire prevention, life safety inspection, and arson and fire investigation; and
WHEREAS, modern day business practices, as well as accountability, both with
funds and personnel, are paramount, and the collaborative sharing of resources bring about
improved public safety; and
WHEREAS, it is believed that both Louisiana State University and the office of state
fire marshal are both fully committed to creating and improving firefighter and emergency
training in the state of Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, it is believed that these collaborative efforts between Louisiana State
University and the office of state fire marshal should ultimately result in the statutory
obligation for firefighter and emergency training being transferred from Louisiana State
University to the office of state fire marshal.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
urge and request that Louisiana State University and the office of state fire marshal, working
together, enter into the necessary agreements to enhance the training of firefighters to reduce
the number of fatalities in the state of Louisiana, reduce the costs of fire prevention and fire
suppression, and reduce the costs associated with property damage caused by fire or
explosion.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
chairman of the Louisiana Fire and Emergency Training Commission and the state fire
marshal.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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