B. Increase grant funds available to local communities to support construction of specialized training facilities where the State's 12,000 firefighters can practice life- saving hands-on skills;

C. Provide all firefighters with the opportunity for fire science education and leadership education through available distance learning technologies, including interactive television and the Internet;

D. Ensure that local fire departments have current training and education materials and equipment to prepare members for fires and other community emergencies;

E. Provide a one-stop resource center for all firefighters and citizens; and

F. Support the development of fire and emergency leaders throughout the State; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That the Department of Public Safety, the Maine State Retirement System, the Maine Fire Training and Education Program within the Maine Technical College System and the State Employee Health Commission within the Bureau of Human Resources shall report their progress regarding the creation and implementation of fire safety enhancements and submit any necessary legislation to the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice by January 15, 2000; and be it further

Sec. 3. Effective date. Resolved: That this resolve takes effect December 15, 1999.

SUMMARY

This resolve directs the Department of Public Safety, the Maine State Retirement System, the Maine Fire Training and Education Program within the Maine Technical College System and the State Employee Health Commission within the Bureau of Human Resources to take several steps to enhance fire protection services throughout the State. The resolve also directs those entities to report their progress regarding the creation and implementation of fire safety enhancements and submit any necessary legislation to the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice by January 15, 2000.