The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has announced how Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) has introduced the Public Safety Officer Free Speech Act (S. 1247) – a bill that would protect firefighters from retaliation or discipline when they raise public awareness of job-related safety issues.
The legislation was introduced in the House by Reps. Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ).
General President Edward Kelly acknowledged: “Far too often, firefighters are disciplined for speaking up about dangerous working conditions, low staffing levels, and burdensome administrative rules jeopardizing public safety in their communities.”
“The IAFF applauds Senator Schmitt for introducing the Public Safety Free Speech Act and sending a clear message that fire fighters’ fundamental First Amendment rights should never be denied. We urge Congress to pass this bill and ensure fire fighters continue having a voice in keeping our communities safe.”
In a statement, Schmitt stressed the importance of protecting the voices of firefighters and other first responders.
Schmitt shared: “For too long the First Amendment rights of our dedicated first responders have been restricted and first responders have been retaliated against for publicly voicing their opinions on issues related to their field of expertise.
“First responders have faced penalties, suspensions, or even been fired for voicing their opinions in their personal capacity as concerned citizens.
“That’s why I introduced the Public Safety Free Speech Act, to protect our first responders’ right to speak publicly about job-related issues without worry of repercussions.”
IAFF General Counsel Peter Leff: “The First Amendment has many holes that allow for the deprivation of speech rights for public safety officers.
“The goal of this bill is to plug those holes and provide real protections to public safety officers who speak up about issues in their workplace.
“Enactment of this bill will provide stronger, more responsive fire and police departments that are better able to assist the communities that they serve.”
The IAFF has also reported how last year in Charleston, a Local 61 member was disciplined for raising concerns to department leadership about exposed mold and excessive heat at his station in the South Carolina Lowcountry. The Local is now suing the city in federal court, arguing they violated their members’ First Amendment rights.
Local 61 is not the only example of an IAFF member being punished for using their voice. Fire fighters in Texas, Florida, Mississippi, Arizona, Indiana and other states have all had their constitutional rights violated by their employers in recent years.
Many of these cases have required Local’s to spend significant amounts of time and resources protecting their members in state and federal courts.
The Public Safety Officer Free Speech Act will be critical to stopping these unfair punishments and protecting fire fighters from the lengthy legal battles required to defend their members’ rights.
Senator Eric Schmitt has introduced the Public Safety Officer Free Speech Act, which would protect firefighters from retaliation or discipline when they raise public awareness of job-related safety issues.
