Rep. Cotter named R.I. Southern Firefighters League Legislator of the Year

South County firefighters honor Rep. Megan Cotter for her hard work to help prevent wildfires

Rep. Megan L. Cotter has been honored as the R.I. Southern Firefighters League Legislator of the Year.

Representative Cotter (D-Dist. 39, Exeter, Richmond, Hopkinton) was selected for her efforts to support the fire and safety services in the General Assembly.

According to Charlestown Ambulance-Rescue Service Chief Andrew D. Kettle, who presented the award at the R.I. Southern Firefighters League Legislators Night Jan. 27, Representative Cotter has demonstrated “unwavering dedication to the fire service, EMS and public safety as a whole. Her leadership and advocacy have had a direct and positive impact on our ability to serve and protect. Whether it is through sponsoring critical legislation, securing vital funding, or simply taking the time to listen to our needs, Representative Cotter has proven to be a true champion of our mission.”

In her first year the in the House, Representative Cotter sponsored legislation that created a legislative commission to help the state determine the best action for improving forest management. 

In 2023 and 2024, she chaired that commission, which issued recommendations that included funding forest fire prevention programs and more forestry staff in the Department of Environmental Management, state and local collaboration to map accessible routes for firefighting in forested lands, and helping owners of forested lands to develop fire management plans. 

Her leadership and advocacy helped add funding in the 2025 state budget for additional forest rangers at DEM, and led to the addition of land conservation funding to the “green bond” proposal on the ballot in November 2024.

“I am very grateful to the R.I. Southern Firefighters League for this recognition, and proud to do anything I can to support firefighters’ absolutely critical work. My legislative efforts involving fire protection have given me an even deeper respect for the hard work, planning and profound dedication of the folks who protect our communities from fires and other disasters. I’m so thankful to all of them, from the chiefs to the volunteers, for all they do to keep our families, properties, public infrastructure and forests safe,” said Representative Cotter.