Many on the front lines in law enforcement, firefighting and emergency response are leaving because of stress, pay and lack of benefits, especially during the pandemic. Now the stateâs first responders have a stronger voice at the State Capitol to improve conditions.
Law officers, firefighters and EMTâs were joined by state lawmakers Thursday to introduce a new caucus, a body to better serve first responders during the legislative process.
âWeâve had countless first responders that contracted COVID and ultimately lost their lives,â said MS Firefighters Association president Chief John Pope.
The Collins Fire Chief said 11 firefighters in the state have died from COVID. He represents 13,500 volunteer firefighters and 3,400 career firefighters. The state does not provide benefits for deaths among first responders from COVID.
