Requires Firefighter 1 certification of candidate who completes military firefighter training and at least 12 months active duty military service in lieu of training course requirements.
Impact
If enacted, A3714 will amend existing firefighter certification statutes, providing a pathway for veterans who may find it difficult to complete civilian training requirements. The objective is to enable these individuals to enter the firefighting profession more easily, promoting the inclusion of veterans in emergency services and potentially boosting recruitment efforts in fire departments statewide. This legislation is viewed as a positive step towards acknowledging military service while addressing the needs of public safety organizations for qualified personnel.
Summary
Bill A3714, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, proposes to streamline the firefighter certification process for individuals who have completed military firefighter training while serving at least 12 months of active duty. Under this bill, candidates who meet these criteria will be eligible to receive Firefighter 1 certification even if they have not completed the standard training course requirements set by the Division of Fire Safety. This change is aimed at recognizing the skills and experience of military personnel who have undergone firefighting training in the military environment.
Contention
However, the bill has sparked some debate. Supporters argue that it appropriately honors military service and acknowledges the adequacy of military training in preparing individuals for civilian firefighting roles. Conversely, some critics express concerns that bypassing formal training requirements could compromise the quality of training that firefighters receive, potentially affecting public safety. These discussions reflect the balance legislators must strike between honoring veterans and ensuring that all firefighters meet rigorous preparation standards.
Same As
Requires Firefighter 1 certification of candidate who completes military firefighter training and at least 12 months active duty military service in lieu of training course requirements.
Carry Over
Requires Firefighter 1 certification of candidate who completes military firefighter training and at least 12 months active duty military service in lieu of training course requirements.
Requires Firefighter 1 certification of candidate who completes military firefighter training and at least 12 months active duty military service in lieu of training course requirements.
Requires Firefighter 1 certification of candidate who completes military firefighter training and at least 12 months active duty military service in lieu of training course requirements.
Requires Firefighter 1 certification of candidate who completes military firefighter training and at least 12 months active duty military service in lieu of training course requirements.
Requires Firefighter 1 certification of candidate who completes military firefighter training and at least 12 months active duty military service in lieu of training course requirements.
This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish the Military Firefighters Compensation Fund to provide compensation to current and former military firefighters, or survivors of such firefighters, for illnesses incurred in the line of duty due to exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects.Under the bill, current and former military firefighters are presumed to have been exposed to PFAS (in the absence of substantial evidence to the contrary) if the firefighter was employed at a military installation, facility of the National Guard, or formerly used defense site during a period when PFAS would have been present at such facility.The bill provides that in cases where a military firefighter is deceased at the time of payment of compensation, the surviving spouse must receive the payment. If there is no surviving spouse, the bill provides for the order of distribution to other surviving parties (e.g., a child or parent of the firefighter). The bill also provides that a survivor of a firefighter may file a claim for compensation if the firefighter dies before filing a claim.DOD must furnish the services, appliances, and supplies prescribed or recommended to a military firefighter who is receiving medical benefits for an illness related to PFAS exposure. Additionally, such firefighter may be furnished necessary and reasonable transportation and expenses incident to securing care for such illness.