Legislation authored by state Rep. Jim Rigby (R-Johnstown) that would increase the amount of money dedicated to online firefighter training has unanimously passed the House as part of a consolidated effort to expand support for emergency responders. “Pennsylvania took a big step forward a few years ago by allowing firefighter training to be done online,” Rigby said. “Using an existing revenue source to help pay for that training lets our emergency responders put more of their money to work doing their job and be less reliant on fundraising.” Rigby is a former firefighter and has been passionate about the legislation. The language from Rigby’s House Bill 2731 was rolled into a more comprehensive piece of legislation that passed unanimously on Wednesday, Sept. 21. House Bill 1178 may now be considered by the Senate.