As a firefighter, my job is to protect our communities. Every day, my crew and I put our lives on the line to keep Utah families safe. We don’t do this work for the money or the recognition — we do it because we care. But now, we’re facing a law — H.B. 267 — that makes it harder for us to advocate for fair wages, better training, and the resources we need to do our jobs effectively. That’s why I’m supporting the referendum to overturn it.H.B. 267, passed by the Legislature this year, takes away collective bargaining rights for public employees like firefighters, police officers, nurses and teachers. Under this law, we can’t negotiate for the tools, working conditions or safe staffing levels that keep both us and the people we serve safe. Without a say in these decisions, response times could slow, firefighter shortages could worsen, and the quality of emergency services could decline. Imagine calling 911 in an emergency, only to face longer wait times because there simply aren’t enough firefighters or paramedics on duty. That’s the kind of risk we’re talking about.Protect Utah Workers is working hard to get this issue on the ballot, and they need 200,000 signatures by April 16. Meanwhile, dark money groups — funded by people who are more focused on protecting their own power than keeping Utahns safe — are trying to silence public employees. They don’t care about whether we have the equipment we need to enter a burning building, whether fire departments are fully staffed, or whether emergency responders have the training to handle life-or-death situations. Instead, these groups fund the worst kind of politicians: the ones willing to make these drastic decisions despite overwhelming opposition from the public.And let’s not forget this law itself is nothing less than legislative overreach. H.B. 267 is a blatant attempt to strip away rights that we, as public employees, have fought for over the years. It’s a way for lawmakers to consolidate power and ignore the voices of those of us on the front lines — those of us who understand the risks and challenges better than anyone else. By eliminating collective bargaining, politicians are making decisions that affect our safety, our families, and our communities without consulting the people who know what’s really needed.I know first hand the positive impact that collective bargaining has for public employees. Having a seat at the table has helped us secure the gear, training, and staffing we need to do our jobs safely and effectively. Without it, we’re at the mercy of decisions made without our input — decisions that could put our lives at risk. Our jobs aren’t political, they’re about public service. Firefighters don’t ask for much, but we do need fair wages, enough personnel to respond to emergencies quickly, and proper training to handle the increasing number of wildfires and disasters Utah is facing. When we don’t have these things, it’s not just firefighters who suffer — it’s every Utahn who depends on emergency services in their time of need.That’s why I’m urging you to stand with us and support the referendum effort. Sign the petition, spread the word, and when the time comes, vote to bring back our collective bargaining rights. When firefighters have a voice, everyone in Utah is safer.Harrison LongHeber CityThe post For what’s fair appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less