House Engrossed

 

 

 

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-second Legislature

First Regular Session

2015

 

 

HOUSE BILL 2432

 

 

 

AN ACT

 

amending title 1, chapter 3, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 1-314; relating to holidays.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1.  Title 1, chapter 3, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 1-314, to read:

START_STATUTE1-314.  Arizona first responders' day of gratitude and remembrance

A.  September twenty-seventh, in each year, shall be observed as Arizona first responders' day of gratitude and remembrance.

B.  Arizona first responders' day of gratitude and remembrance is not a legal holiday.

C.  On Arizona first responders' day of gratitude and remembrance, Residents of this state are encouraged to demonstrate appreciation and pay tribute to the first responders of this state, both past and present, for their extraordinary dedication to preserving and protecting the public peace and safety. END_STATUTE

Sec. 2.  Legislative findings

The legislature finds that:

1.  First responders risk their own safety and personal property in the execution of their duties to protect the public on a daily basis.

2.  First responders are the first line of defense for the public against threats, both domestic and foreign.

3.  First responders stand at the ready to come to the aid of the citizens of the United States twenty-four hours a day.

4.  First responders are a vital part of our communities, not only standing ready to deal with emergencies but also volunteering in our schools and community organizations.

5.  Individuals, both career and volunteer, from police, fire, emergency medical services, search and rescue and other organizations in the public safety sector, come together as a collective to aid the public in the event of an emergency.

6.  The governors of the states of Illinois, Oregon, Kentucky and Wisconsin have issued proclamations designating September 27 as first responders' appreciation day.

7.  The city of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and the state of Colorado have also celebrated first responders' appreciation day.

8.  The legislature of this state wishes to honor and support all first responders with an annual day of appreciation.