45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first extraordinary session, 2002

REQUESTING THE EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION TO RECOGNIZE THE EFFORTS OF FIREFIGHTERS AND EMERGENCY PERSONNEL BY PROVIDING ADEQUATE PAY FOR DANGEROUS WORK.

WHEREAS, New Mexico and much of the west is in a severe drought and extreme fire danger prevails across most forests and rangelands; and

WHEREAS, firefighters and emergency personnel are combating the Borrego Mesa fire near Truchas that is threatening that village as well as the village of Cordova; and

WHEREAS, the Cerro Grande fire in Los Alamos county two years ago destroyed more than two hundred homes and caused millions of dollars in damages; and

WHEREAS, firefighters and emergency personnel all over the state are on the ready to protect the lives and property of New Mexico citizens; and

WHEREAS, the importance and value of services provided by firefighters and emergency personnel are frequently forgotten when public budgets are prepared;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that appreciation and recognition be expressed for the service of and sacrifices by emergency personnel and firefighters; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the executive administration and budgeting agencies of the state and its political subdivisions be requested to develop adequate budgets for emergency and firefighting organizations and adequate living wages for their personnel; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of public safety and the secretary of finance and administration.