In a recent Senate Local Government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding Senate Bill 547, which proposes changes to the governance of fire services in Montana. The bill has sparked widespread opposition among volunteer firefighters and community members, who argue that it undermines local control and fails to involve key stakeholders in the decision-making process.

Jerry Brothers, Assistant Chief of the Home Atherton Volunteer Fire Department and Vice President of the Montana State Volunteer Fire Association, was among the first to voice his opposition. He emphasized that the bill places an appointed individual above elected trustees and chiefs, which he believes could jeopardize the effectiveness of fire services. Brothers expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding the bill, stating that many in the Butte Silver Bow community were unaware of its implications until recently.

Sonya Blevins, a retired security worker and current employee at Montana Tech, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the bill would degrade firefighter staffing and compromise fire protection services. She urged the committee to defeat the bill to ensure adequate funding and support for fire responders.

Other opponents, including Paul Quilici, a captain at the Home Atherton Volunteer Fire District, and Randy Rober, the newly elected fire chief for the Terre Verde Rural Fire Department, highlighted the need for transparency and collaboration between paid and volunteer fire departments. Rober pointed out that the bill's passage could lead to uncertainty regarding the future of volunteer departments and their leadership.

The meeting also featured testimonies from long-serving volunteer firefighters, such as Doug McGinnis, who emphasized the importance of local governance and community involvement in fire service decisions. Many speakers expressed a sense of division within the community, attributing it to the way the bill was introduced without adequate public discussion.

As the committee continues to deliberate on Senate Bill 547, the overwhelming sentiment among opponents is clear: they seek a more inclusive approach that respects the voices of both volunteer and paid firefighters. The outcome of this bill could have lasting implications for fire service governance in Montana, making the ongoing discussions critical for the future of community safety and volunteerism in the region.