Local Law To Protect Emergency First Responders Approved
Doug La Rocque
By a 17 to 2 vote, the Rensselaer County Legislature approved a local law known as the “Emergency First Responders Protection Act.” The law states that it is critical to ensure that Emergency First Responders are protected from harassment and interference as they perform essential duties on behalf of the public.
The law was introduced by District 5 legislator Bruce Patire of Eagle Bridge, who represents all of the eastern portion of the county. Following the vote, he said “I was hoping for unanimous support of this important Local Law that protects our first responders, but unfortunately we had some opposition from the Minority Legislators in Troy. During these times of disruptive protests, it is as important as ever to make sure that our police, fire, and medical first responders are able to do their work without unnecessary harassment from others.”
Legislators Mark Fleming and Minority Leader Peter Grimm cast the dissenting vote.