Intention of General Assembly to assist local firefighters

It is the intention of the General Assembly to assure that fire protection in the Commonwealth is continually strengthened, upgraded and attractive to highly qualified men and women who choose firefighting as a profession; and to retain qualified and experienced firefighters for the purpose of providing maximum protection and safety to the citizens of, and visitors to, this Commonwealth; and to offer a state monetary supplement for local firefighters while upgrading the educational and training standards of such firefighters.