Senator Golden Leads Passage Legislation to Protect First Responders

Albany – State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn), a former New York City Police Officer, today is announcing that a series of bills he introduced to create better protections for law enforcement officers and emergency medical service personnel, have been approved by the New York State Senate this afternoon.

Senate Bill 4133 creates a new crime for the aggravated assault of a police or peace officer when a person is aided by two or more persons at a protest. This amendment to the penal law would ensure further protection for officers tasked with monitoring demonstrations and would punish those who use a means of peaceful protest as an opportunity to assault police or peace officers. (A. 6249, Weprin).

Senator Marty Golden stated, “Recent incidents throughout New York and the United States of America highlight the need for government to adopt legislation that better protects our men and women in blue. As a former officer of the NYPD, I can attest to the danger that our officers face each and every day, and that is why I have championed this bill to further keep our officers safe in the line of duty.”

Senate Bill 4938 would establish stronger protections for emergency medical service paramedics and technicians who are injured while performing their assigned duties. The legislation seeks to classify such criminal activity as a class D violent felony offense. (A7345, Lentol).

“Emergency medical service paramedics and technicians are required to treat patients under extremely dangerous and stressful conditions. This legislation guarantees that the same protections are in place to keep these first responders safe in the performance of their work,” said Senator Marty Golden.

Senate Bill 1460 establishes the blue alert system here in New York State to aid in the apprehension of any individuals suspected of killing or seriously wounding any law enforcement officer. President Barack Obama recently signed the National Blue Alert Act into law. This legislation will assist in the coordination between the State and Federal government as it relates to apprehending those who injure or kill police officers. (A. 4188, Malliotakis).