State Rep. Ron Robinson (R-Utica) this week introduced a bipartisan plan to better support police officers and firefighters who also serve in the military.

House Bills 5232 and 5233 would require organized police departments and fire departments to provide up to 26 days of paid military leave per year before requiring employees to use their personal leave time. Currently, when an officer or firefighter runs out of personal leave but still has military obligations, they must take unpaid time off.

“As a veteran myself, I know firsthand the sacrifices required of those who serve,” said Robinson. “This plan ensures the men and women who serve both our communities and our country aren’t forced to choose between their duty and their paycheck. We owe it to them to make sure their service doesn’t come with unnecessary financial hardship.”

The plan would cover both deployment for service in the reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces as well as mandatory training periods. The issue was brought to Robinson’s attention by the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union and the Police Officers Association of Michigan, after members reported losing pay or career opportunities due to unpaid military leave.

“As president of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union (MPFFU), I strongly support House Bills 5233 and 5234, which ensure our firefighters serving in the military receive the leave they deserve without sacrificing their hard-earned benefits,” said Matt Sahr, President MPFFU. “I would like to thank Reps. Robinson and Koleszar for working with us to get this important legislation introduced. These bills recognize the dual commitment many of our members make to public safety—both as firefighters in our communities and as service members defending our nation. No firefighter should have to choose between serving their country and maintaining their professional benefits. These pieces of legislation honor the sacrifices of our firefighter-veterans and demonstrate Michigan’s commitment to those who serve in uniform on multiple fronts.”

“As Veterans Day approaches, we are reminded that truly honoring those who serve goes beyond words or ceremonies,” said Robinson. “It means taking meaningful and concrete steps to support them in their daily lives, ensuring their sacrifices are recognized and their commitments to our communities and our country are respected.”