State Rep. David Maloney | Pennsylvania 130th Legislative District
State Rep. David Maloney | Pennsylvania 130th Legislative District
Gov. Josh Shapiro did not issue a proclamation for First Responders Day on September 27, according to Rep. David Maloney (R-Berks). This follows the precedent set by former Gov. Tom Wolf, who also did not make such proclamations despite Senate Bill 248 of 2021 requiring it.
The legislation calls for the governor to urge public schools and educational institutions to observe the day and recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by first responders. "Well, just as in 2022, Sept. 27 came and went with nary a peep from Gov. Shapiro," Maloney remarked. He emphasized that all members of the House and Senate supported the bill when it was passed.
Maloney initiated the law to establish Pennsylvania's own First Responders Day due to the state's reliance on volunteer first responders for fire protection and emergency medical services. The law highlights that more than 100,000 first responders perform crucial services in Pennsylvania, including approximately 30,000 sworn police officers and tens of thousands of firefighters.
"I had originally envisioned this to be a special day in Pennsylvania," Maloney said, expressing disappointment that no events or observances took place as he had hoped. He had imagined events where school students could learn about first responders' sacrifices and possibly consider joining their ranks.
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