Orange County, Fl., A bill created to save firefighters’ lives was signed into law by Governor Charlie Crist on June 17, 2008 and will become effective on July 1, 2008.
The bill was named in honor of two Orange County Firefighters, Todd Aldridge and Mark Benge, who died in 1989 after the roof a gift shop collapsed; the bill is called the Aldridge-Benge Firefighter Safety Act.
The Aldridge-Benge Firefighter Safety Act will require owners of any commercial, industrial, or any multi-unit residential structure, to mark these buildings in a manner that identifies them as light-frame truss-type construction. A sign or symbol will alert firefighters of the construction material and allow them to modify their tactics for fighting fires in buildings.
“We are honored that the bill was named for Todd and Mark, but at the same time we are sadden at the loss of our fallen brothers”, stated Fire Chief Carl Plaugher.
Orange County Fire Rescue Department, an accredited fire department, is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our community.
