LANSING – State Rep. Gino H. Polidori (D-Dearborn) today praised Governor Jennifer M. Granholm for laying the foundation that will create a new state fire protection agency that will strengthen fire services, coordination and responses to large-scale disasters.
"Thanks to the Governor's leadership, we will soon have another tool to strengthen public safety and make our communities safer," Polidori said. "Michigan's firefighters play a crucial role in protecting our citizens. Creating an agency that coordinates fire services and improves efficiency is a long overdue move. I applaud the Governor for acting to improve the safety of our citizens."
On Wednesday, the Governor signed Executive Directive 2005-10 charging the Department of Labor and Economic Growth to begin planning for the creation of a Bureau of Fire Services. The agency will make fire services across the state more efficient, improve coordination and strengthen Michigan's emergency management and homeland security efforts.
Polidori is a veteran firefighter. He was Dearborn's Fire Chief for 22 years, and served as President of the Michigan State Fire Chiefs Association from 1987 to 1988.
"The new fire agency will bring together the wide range of entities we need to improve the safety of our citizens and to respond to major disasters," Polidori said. "Firefighters, emergency medical services, hazardous materials experts, police and safety inspectors will come under one umbrella. As a firefighter, I pushed for many long years for an agency just like this. Now, with the Governor's leadership and vision, we are on the path to having a state Fire Services Bureau."
In the state House, Polidori also serves on the committee for Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security.