Yesterday staff from the Fire Department attended the 100th Anniversary of the State Fire Marshal’s Office. This was a big deal with virtually all fire departments from the metro area attending as well as departments from as far away as Rochester and Moorehead.
The scene was impressive complete with the Fallen Firefighter Honor Guard, St. Paul Fire’s Color Guard and the Bagpipe Corp. Governor Pawlenty addressed the assembled group as did current Fire Marshal Jerry Rosendahl.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office provides a myriad of invaluable services to fire departments large and small. The day was particularly timely as a watershed piece of legislation is being heard by committees as the legislative process proceeds. This piece of legislation would provide permanent funding for the Fire Marshal’s Office as well as several other key fire related initiatives. Too often politicians talk about funding these vital operations but actually don;t support their continuance with a commitment financially. Now is the time to take measure of what is truly important.
The key Bill this year is H.F. 2079, take a minute to review it and contact your local legislator if you agree with me and all of Minnesota’s Fire Service on it’s merit.
The Scene at the outside of the Capitol
The Color Guard Enters Capitol
The Color Guard take their position
The Governor addresses the assembled-State Fire Marshal Jerry Rosendahl on the right in the white shirt
