New Law Creating a Day Honoring First Responders Now Before Governor, Maloney Says

November 17, 2021

HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Rep. David Maloney (R-Berks) dedicating Sept. 27 of each year as First Responders Day in Pennsylvania has been approved by the General Assembly and is now before the governor for his signature into law.

Maloney has fought for many years to set aside a day in Pennsylvania to honor and remember the men and women who protect, heal and shelter our loved ones and neighbors in emergencies.



Maloney issued the following statement:

“Nearly all of us have benefited in some way from the courageous service of first responders, or we know someone who has.

“Our first responders – our police, fire, emergency medical service and public health personnel – work selflessly on behalf of the people of this Commonwealth, regardless of the risk or hazard.

“Some of them are paid, but in Pennsylvania most are not. The vast majority of Pennsylvanians depend on volunteers for fire protection and EMS services – 97% of all fire services in Pennsylvania are staffed by volunteers.

“Whether they are paid or not, these men and women choose to do very difficult jobs – jobs most of us shy away from. Police officers typically don’t deal with the cream of the crop in our society, and most people don’t slam on their brakes and run into a burning house.

“Justice Louis Brandeis once said, “The only title in our democracy superior to that of president is the title of citizen.”

“Several years ago, I invited Mark Malizzi, a local first responder chaplain, to give the opening prayer for the House of Representatives and he inspired me to think about how we could honor these men and women. We should absolutely have a day set aside each year to remember what they do for our communities.”

Editor’s note: Video of Rep. Maloney’s remarks during passage of the legislation can be downloaded here.

This Legislation Has Just Been Signed into Law.

Representative David Maloney
130th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Charles Lardner
717.260.6443
clardner@pahousegop.com
RepMaloney.com