HARRISBURG – Senator Scott Martin (R-13) applauded the House of Representatives today for passing legislation that would help protect emergency responders and improve emergency response times.
House Bill 1414 included a proposal Martin introduced along with Senator Ryan P. Aument (R-36) that would allow Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) officers to use flashing lights and sirens when using their private vehicles to respond to incidents.
Local officials estimate that the use of lights and sirens on personal vehicles could save 10 to 15 minutes in assembling a SERT team for incidents requiring special training, such as kidnappings, barricaded gunmen and hostage negotiations.
“Every second counts in an emergency situation, so it is critical to ensure we give SERT team members every opportunity to get to the scene quickly and safely,” Martin said. “Saving just a few minutes in getting to the scene can mean saving more lives.”
The legislation also included provisions for visual signals for other types of vehicles – including fire police vehicles, tow trucks, solid waste collection vehicles, and some probation officer vehicles – to improve the safety of workers and motorists.
House Bill 1414 was approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives and was sent to the governor to be signed into law.
CONTACT: Terry Trego (717) 787-6535