Fire/EMS Merger to Pass through Senate Once Again
A lengthy debate is likely in the Legislature when the 34th Legislature’s Committee on Health, Hospitals and Human Services once again considers a proposal to merge fire services with emergency medical services on March 9th in St. Croix.
2022-03-09 00:45:12 - VI News Journalist
Over the course of three governors and six legislatures, multiple efforts to integrate the fire suppression and EMS services have fallen short. The Senate held a similar measure in October 2021.
Proponents of combining the fire and EMS systems believe it would address the critically low EMS staffing shortages, which lead to slower response times and an increase in overtime costs. But efforts have historically stalled due to logistic hurdles such as union involvement, cross-training personnel and harmonizing rank-and-file first responders.
Based on the testimony submitted to the Legislature at this point, key stakeholders from the Department of Health, Virgin Islands Fire Services and Office of Management and Budget will offer favorable support of the measure. On perhaps a greater note of interest, the Office of Collective Bargaining submitted testimony in favor of the proposal, which hints at much needed union input for advancement of the measure.
The committee will meet on Wednesday March 9 at 10 a.m. in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room on St. Croix to receive testimony on the following bill:
Bill No. 34-0101- An Act amending the Virgin Islands Code title 3 chapters 1 and 15, title 23, chapter 7 and title 33, section 3032 to create a new Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services to provide fire prevention services, fire suppression services emergency medical services, and for the protection of life and property.
Sponsored by: Senator Donna A. Frett-Gregory by request of the Governor
Invited Testifiers include:
Commissioner, VI Department of Health
The Honorable Justa E. Encarnacion
Director, VI Fire Services
Mr. Daryl A. George, Sr.
Fire Service Assistant Director of EMS
Mr. Lisle Evelyn
St. John Deputy Chief, VI Fire Service
Mr. Clarence Stephenson
Former Policy Advisor for Justice and Public Safety, Office of the Governor
Marise James, Esq.
EMS Territorial Coordinator/St. Croix Training Officer
Ms. Jacqueline Greenidge-Payne
St. Croix Firefighters Union, International Association of Firefighters #2832
Mr. Melbourne Adams, President
St. Thomas Firefighters Union, International Association of Firefighters #2125
Mr. Andre Dorsey, President
Chief Negotiator, Office of Collective Bargaining
Joss Springette, Esq.
Office and Management Budget
Ms. Jenifer O’Neal Director