JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – Missouri’s firefighters came to the Capitol yesterday as part of their annual lobby day.
“Today we are here to talk about our issues and try and get our members connected with representatives and senators.” said Tony Kelley, President of the Missouri Council of Fire Fighters.
“We bring all of our members in and discuss the issues and we’ll be talking with our representatives, and then we break up into groups.” Kelley said.
One of those members is Matt Stigall, who is a business agent for Local 42 and also spoke on the importance of the lobby day. “A lot of the stuff we do when we come here is to promote public safety and fire fighter issues.”
Kelley also spoke on the issues surrounding Missouri’s firefighters, “Our biggest issues this year is retirement, health and safety issues for fire fighters, and in line of duty death provisions.” Although Kelley also noted that this year was a relatively quiet one for his profession. In previous years, fire fighters have been involved in battles over the political activity of first responders.
Fire fighters are also a key player in the labor fight. While first responders are typically carved out of “paycheck protection” bills, they are key allies for the labor movement.
A large display on the Capitol lawn was visible of two fire trucks hoisting a large American flag. Food was also being served on the front lawn.
Later on in the day, Kelley and Stigall were on hand with other firefighters who came to the Capitol to present an honorary axe to Rep. Noel Torpey, R-Independence, for his history of working to help fire fighters while a member of the legislature.
