McGuire Sponsored Bill SB 630, Signed Into Law
Expanding The Definition of Public Safety Officer/First Responder To Include All Virginia 911 Dispatchers. OPINION
I was honored to witness Governor Youngkin sign this bill yesterday at the Patrick Henry Building in Richmond during National Police Week. So many localities have fallen under the influence of those who hate and disrespect the police and supporting personnel. It is a breath of fresh air to see our Dispatchers, who deal daily with the stress of what are often tragic events, being recognized and honored for their significant contribution to our Commonwealth.
SB 630, including every Virginia 911 dispatcher. The reclassification provides working environments, training, and high-risk benefits that better match 911 dispatchers' role in emergency events.
A collaborative effort between Sen. McGuire, other district legislators, 911 dispatchers, and sheriffs. McGuire visited 911 dispatch units in 24 different localities to discover concerns in order to draft the Bill.
Law enforcement officials, including Appomattox County Sheriff Robby Richardson, Virginia State Police dispatchers, and Louisa Commonwealth's Attorney Rusty McGuire, joined McGuire and Youngkin at the bill signing ceremony. McGuire was presented
From the State Legislature site:
Completed Legislative Action
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: Passed on March 28 2024 - 100% progression
Action: 2024-03-28 - Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0253)
Text: Latest bill text (Chaptered) [HTML]
Summary
Public safety officer; Commonwealth Public Safety Medal of Valor; dispatcher. Adds a dispatcher, including a dispatcher employed by the Department of State Police, to the definition of a public safety officer for purposes of possible selection by the Governor for the Commonwealth Public Safety Medal of Valor, presented for performance above and beyond the call of duty involving extraordinary valor in the face of grave danger, at great personal risk. A dispatcher is defined in relevant law as an individual employed by a public safety answering point, an emergency medical dispatch service provider, or both, who is qualified to answer incoming emergency telephone calls or provide for the appropriate emergency response either directly or through communication with the appropriate public safety answering point. Public safety officer; Commonwealth Public Safety Medal of Valor; dispatcher. Adds a dispatcher, including a dispatcher employed by the Department of State Police, to the definition of a public safety officer for purposes of possible selection by the Governor for the Commonwealth Public Safety Medal of Valor, presented for performance above and beyond the call of duty involving extraordinary valor in the face of grave danger, at great personal risk. A dispatcher is defined in relevant law as an individual employed by a public safety answering point, an emergency medical dispatch service provider, or both, who is qualified to answer incoming emergency telephone calls or provide for the appropriate emergency response either directly or through communication with the appropriate public safety answering point.
Tracking Information
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Title
Commonwealth Public Safety Medal of Valor; medal may be awarded to dispatcher.
Sponsors
Sen. John McGuire [R]