Senator Ritchie Asks Firefighters to Back Mark's Law

Asks Friends, Family Of Emergency Workers To Go To Website At www.ritchie.nysenate.gov To Sign On-Line Petition

State Senator Patty Ritchie asked Watertown firefighters on Thursday to sign her on-line petition in support of "Mark's Law," (S4717) a measure that would impose the state's maximum criminal penalty for anyone who kills firefighters or emergency workers.

The bill was named for the late Mark Davis who was shot to death while responding to an emergency in Cape Vincent.

Senator Ritchie asked the firefighters sign her on-line petition on her Senate website at www.ritchie.nysenate.gov and to ask their families and friends to support the measure.

“I hope it never has to be used,” Senator Ritchie said. “But I think we have to send a strong message that anyone who harms these people who risk their lives for us will be punished with the severest penalty the law allows.”

Senator Ritchie visited the fire station with Watertown Mayor Jeff Graham who had invited her to visit with city firefighters.

The Watertown Fire Department responds to more than 3,500 calls for help a year.

Senator Ritchie's bill would impose life without parole for the first degree murder of an emergency worker.

Senator Ritchie is visiting fire stations across the district, including volunteer fire departments, in an effort to raise awareness and support for Mark's Law, but also as part of her continuing tour of public and private workplaces throughout the district, where she is meeting working men and women, small business owners and others to listen to their concerns.