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Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch, R-West Salem, was given the Legislator of the Year Award by the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin at a ceremony during the firefighters’ convention in Appleton.

Huebsch earned the honor for his work during the previous legislative session on behalf of firefighters and emergency responders throughout Wisconsin.

“I am very honored to receive this award,” Huebsch said, “and I am proud to do what I can to support the heroes in our local communities. Wisconsin’s firefighters have a tough job, never knowing when the next alarm will sound or what the next hour will bring, but their bravery and dedication keeps our families and loved ones safe. For that, we owe them an unending debt of gratitude.”

Huebsch has been a strong supporter of Wisconsin’s firefighters throughout his 14 years in Madison. This session, Huebsch worked with firefighters on a wide number of issues, including the following:

Including more than $1.6 million for forest fire detection and suppression in the state budget (2007 Act 20);

New funding for the inspection of the state’s 93 fire towers (2007 Act 20);

A new law to improve the safety of electrical wiring in buildings and homes (2007 Act 63); and

New disaster preparedness laws, created by a special study committee charged with finding ways to improve the state’s response to natural and man-made disasters (2007 Act 79).

“We owe it to our firefighters and emergency workers to support their efforts and honor their bravery,” Huebsch said. “I’m happy to accept this award on their behalf, for the ones who are ready to serve at a moment’s notice, keeping us safe and protecting our community.”

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