AL HR34

Designates the Friday of Fire Prevention Week each year as "Firefighter Appreciation Day" in Alabama.

Encourages all Alabamians to celebrate this day to honor firefighters' significant roles in the United States.

Recognizes firefighters' dangerous duties including responding to emergencies, entering burning buildings, rescuing individuals, and providing medical attention during 24-hour shifts.

Notes that in 2012, approximately 307,000 firefighters were employed, with 91 percent working for local governments, and that the fire fighting occupation has one of the highest injury and illness rates.

Commemorates Fire Prevention Week's historical origins tied to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which killed over 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, and destroyed more than 17,400 structures.