Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire Endorses Marsy's Law

PFFNH Joins Growing Network of Support for Constitutional Amendment for Crime Victims’ Rights in New Hampshire

February 27, 2018

PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE ENDORSES MARSY’S LAW

PFFNH Joins Growing Network of Support for Constitutional Amendment for Crime Victims’ Rights in New Hampshire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Amanda Grady Sexton (603) 548-9377

CONCORD – Today the Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire (PFFNH) endorsed CACR 22, a constitutional amendment commonly known as “Marsy’s Law” that seeks to establish constitutional rights for victims of crime in New Hampshire. PFFNH is a state association comprised of 44 local unions across the Granite State representing firefighters and paramedics. PFFNH joins a strong contingent of public safety leaders to support Marsy’s Law for NH including the NH Association of Chiefs of Police, NH Sheriffs Association, NH Police Association, and NH Troopers Association.

“Paramedics and EMTs know all too well the trauma that victims of crime endure. It is hard enough for victims to find the strength to come forward and participate in the criminal justice system after experiencing tragedy. It is important that they are guaranteed meaningful and enforceable constitutional protections and rights,” says Bill McQuillen, President, PFFNH. “The Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire strongly supports this constitutional amendment to ensure a victim’s safety and well-being is taken into consideration by the courts. We must guarantee that victims of crime and their families have a voice in our state’s criminal justice system as they work to heal and recover.”

About Marsy’s Law for New Hampshire:

Marsy’s Law for New Hampshire is a grassroots effort to bring constitutional rights to victims of crime. Under Marsy’s Law, or CACR 22, crime victims would have the right to notification of all proceedings and would be guaranteed the right to be heard in the criminal justice system. Victims would also have the right to have input on all plea deals for offenders as well as the right to restitution resulting from the financial impact of the crime. New Hampshire is 1 of only 15 states that does not have constitutional rights for victims.

The Marsy’s Law movement began in 1983 by Henry Nicholas, whose sister Marsy was killed by her ex-boyfriend. One week after her murder, Marsy’s mother and Henry walked into a grocery store where they saw the accused murderer. The family had no idea that he had been released on bail. In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Henry Nicholas has made it his mission in life to help provide victims and their families across the country with constitutional protections and equal rights.