Burlington, Vt., Jan. 27 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), joined by U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, will hold a virtual town meeting with Vermont firefighters and EMS providers on Saturday, January 29 at 10:30 a.m. ET.

During this virtual event, Sanders and Moore-Merrell will hear from career and volunteer Vermont firefighters and EMS providers on the challenges they are facing  and how the federal government can support them. Participants will be able to submit questions in advance via the registration page or ask them live during the meeting.

“At the end of the day, when you dial 911, you want to make sure that someone is at the end of the line so you can get the service you need as quickly as possible,” said Sanders. “Here in Vermont, and all over rural America, fire departments and EMS agencies are struggling to attract and keep the members they need to provide lifesaving services. Our first responders are under an enormous amount of pressure and are regularly putting their lives on the line to protect our communities. We have got to figure out a way to get them the support they need.”


Vermont Panelists:

• Chris Dube, President, Professional Firefighters of Vermont; Captain, Hartford Fire Department
• Sean Galvin, Chief, Fair Haven Rescue
• Jason Larrabee, Chief, Walden Fire & Rescue
• Brett LaRose, Chief, Bristol Fire Department
• Danielle Morse, Miss Vermont and Firefighter, Whiting Volunteer Fire Department 
• Mariah Whitcomb, Deputy Chief, Thetford Fire Department

What: Virtual Fire and EMS Town Meeting with Sen. Sanders and U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell
When: Saturday, January 29, 10:30 A.M.
Where: Virtual event hosted via Webex; phone-in option available
Details: Members of the media and the public are invited to watch the event at https://www.facebook.com/senatorsanders

Vermont firefighters and EMS providers interested in participating must register in advance at https://www.sanders.senate.gov/events.