STATE HOUSE – A new caucus has formed in the House of Representatives for members who are current or former police officers and firefighters.

The Police and Firefighters Caucus includes eight members and will be led by co-chairmen Joseph S. Almeida and Scott J. Guthrie.

The caucus, which has met once on Feb. 5, formed to concentrate on issues of safety, training and education for first responders, as well as any other issues that may arise that affect them.

“Police and firefighters have a lot to offer the General Assembly, because we all have first-hand knowledge of the practical problems and challenges on the streets and in our cities and towns. We hope that this caucus will help put that know-how to good use, both to better serve the public and to help police and firefighters stay safe on the job,” said Representative Almeida (D-Dist. 12, Providence), a retired Providence police officer.

Said Representative Guthrie (D-Dist. 28, Coventry), a retired North Kingstown firefighter, “There is a remarkable volume of legislation each year that affects the work of firefighters and police. Whether it’s changes to the fire codes or efforts to improve safety or training, there are many bills and issues that we could be helpful with. Having a caucus will help us do that in an organized, united way and can make sure that the House is well-informed about public safety issues.”

In addition to Co-chairman Almeida and Guthrie, the caucus includes: Rep. Dennis M. Canario (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Little Compton, Tiverton), a retired Portsmouth police officer; Rep. John M. Carnevale (D-Dist. 13, Providence, Johnston), a retired Providence police officer; Rep. Stephen Casey (D-Dist. 50, Woonsocket), a Woonsocket firefighter; Rep. Raymond A. Hull (D-Dist. 6, Providence, North Providence), a Providence police officer; Rep. Raymond H. Johnston Jr. (D-Dist. 61, Pawtucket), a Pawtucket police officer; and Rep. Robert B. Jacquard (D-Dist. 17, Cranston), a retired Cranston police officer.