Assemblyman Mike Norris (R,C-Lockport) is among the bipartisan group of lawmakers urging the enactment of a package of bills to encourage the recruitment of volunteer emergency medical workers and support these vital community resources, and this week he helped pass the first of those bills in the state Assembly. The measure will allow the Thruway Authority to exempt fire and ambulances from paying tolls when engaged in emergency operations. Norris is a sponsor of the bill.

“Not only will this measure go a long way toward saving much-needed resources for our volunteer fire and EMS organizations, but it will also help speed up access to these critical lifesaving resources in times of emergency,” said Norris, who has led the charge for improving resources and benefits for volunteer fire and medical services since he was first elected.

Having passed unanimously in the state Assembly, the bill will now go to the Senate for its consideration. Norris said this is just the first of a package of bills he and his colleagues are hoping to see come to the floor before this year’s legislative session comes to a close, scheduled for June 6.

Norris continues to encourage anyone interested in learning more about the many benefits of serving the community as a volunteer firefighter or emergency medical worker to go to www.fireinyou.org.