CONTACT:
Savannah Peifer
Office of Representative Robin Bartleman
850.717.5103
State Representative Robin Bartleman’s Blue Lights Bill Now in Effect
WESTON, Fla. – Last week, House Bill 463 – Lights Displayed on Fire Department Vehicles sponsored by Representative Robin Bartleman (D-Weston), Representative Lauren Melo (R-Naples), and Senator Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island) became law. This new law allows the use of blue warning lights on government-owned fire trucks that weigh over 24,000 pounds. The law authorizes the use of these lights on the rear of vehicles. National studies show blue lights are more effective at night and red lights are more effective during the day.
“Every first responder deserves to come home to their families at the end of their shift and this legislation is another safeguard to protect our first responders. Studies show a combination of blue and red lights are more effective at night and will protect those who arrive at the scene to help and save us,” said Representative Bartleman.
The Florida Sheriffs Association, International Union of Police Association Local 6020, and the Florida Fire Chiefs Association were also in support of this legislation. “The nearly 2,000 members of the Florida Fire Chief’s Association would like to thank all of our elected officials for passing this common-sense legislation which will save the lives of our firefighters across this great state,” said Harold Theus, President of the Florida Fire Chief’s Association.
The City of Weston (truck pictured above), as well as other cities around the state, have already begun their transition to blue lights.
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