Broome County officials are hoping to pass legislation that would allow criminal charges against anyone who harasses a first responder on the job.

Violators can face up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

County Legislature Chairman Dan Reynolds announced the "Emergency First Responders Protection Act" alongside Binghamton Mayor Rich David and State Sen. Fred Akshar on Thursday. Reynolds also supports Akshar's Community Heroes Protection Act, making offenses against first responders hate crimes.

The announcement comes after a local group temporarily blocked the Binghamton Columbus Day parade to protest conditions at the county jail.

"The last thing that you want to see is law enforcement personnel, or a firefighter, or a first responder of some kind, get interceded and it winds up costing time when time is so very important in those situations,” Reynolds said. “It could mean the difference between life and death."

The law and a resolution to support Akshar's measure will be introduced in the county legislature next month.