PELTON FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL HWY. - H.B. 4895: FIRST ANALYSIS
sans-serif">House Bill 4895 (as reported with amendment)
Sponsor: Representative Dianne Byrum
House Committee: Transportation
Senate Committee: Transportation
RATIONALE
Mason Fire Chief James Pelton died on August 10, 2001, in an automobile accident while on his way to a department meeting. The driver of another car involved in the accident was charged with negligent homicide. According to a resolution passed by the Ingham County Board of Commissioners to honor Chief Pelton, he was a 37-year veteran of the Mason City Fire Department and had served as the Fire Chief since 1992. He also served as a certified fire inspector, a member of the Michigan Fire Chief’s Association, the Alert Fire Association, the Tri-County Fire Chief’s Association, the Ingham County Fire Chief’s Association, and the Local Emergency Planning Committee, as well as vice chairperson of the Ingham County 911 Advisory Committee. He was a retired barber, a lifetime member of the Optimist Club, and a co-founder of the Mason Freestyle Wrestling Club. It has been suggested that a section of highway should be named for him to commemorate his service to the community.
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Memorial Highway Act to designate the portion of US-127 in Ingham County as the “James M. Pelton Firefighters Memorial Highway”.
ARGUMENTS
(Please note: The arguments contained in this analysis originate from sources outside the Senate Fiscal Agency. The Senate Fiscal Agency neither supports nor opposes legislation.)
Supporting Argument
The resolution of the Ingham County Board of Commissioners states, “Chief Pelton was known for his kind demeanor, dedicated leadership, his positive attitude and as a man who always worked diligently for the betterment of his department.” Over the course of many years, he demonstrated a commitment to the citizens of the City of Mason and Ingham County. He was Mason’s first full-time fire chief and was involved in initiating the construction of a new fire station, recruiting fire-fighters, and improving training standards. Naming the portion of US-127 in Ingham County after Chief Pelton would be a fitting tribute to him and a public acknowledgment of his dedication to the community.
- Legislative Analyst: Julie Koval
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
- Fiscal Analyst: Craig ThielH0304\s4895a
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.