Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell is praising the passage of a new law that provides fire companies a mechanism they can use to deny membership to sex offenders.

She says legislation that she sponsored provides volunteer fire departments with the "legal tools they need to keep registered sex offenders from joining their ranks was signed into law (Ch. 198 of 2014)."

The legislation provides volunteer fire departments with the necessary mandate to prevent level 1, 2, and 3 sex offenders from joining.However, the final decision whether or not to accept a sex offender remains with the fire companies.

“I’m very pleased that we were able to deliver this important legislation giving our volunteer fire chiefs the tools they need to keep our families safe,” Russell said. “The vast majority of our local volunteer firefighters serve our communities bravely and honorably and this legislation will keep it that way.”

The new law enables volunteer fire chiefs to access existing public record information on registered sex offenders, similar to the current practice of conducting arson background for all prospective members, a process which has been highly effective in rooting out individuals convicted of arson crimes. Prior to this legislation, labor law provided for the use of background checks for arson related offenses only.

Volunteer firefighters often interact with children and other individuals who are in vulnerable situations, necessitating a clear cut way to identify convicted sex offenders and prevent them from joining up.

“Here in the North Country, most of our communities rely on volunteer first responders to fight fires, respond to car accidents and other emergencies,” Russell said. “It is just common sense that we enable these organizations to weed out the bad apples so that they can maintain the integrity of their field and provide families with peace of mind.”

Russell represents several St. Lawrence County municipalities including Massena, Ogdensburg,Potsdam and Canton.