State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) and State Senator Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) say the state of Illinois could soon find more qualified applicants to serve as firefighters following the passage of Senate Bill 2150.
“Small fire departments are struggling to find qualified public servants because of roadblocks and provisions in our current law,” said Sen. Bailey. “I’m happy that the legislative body in both chambers unanimously voted to approve this bill. Seconds count in an emergency situation and I hope this legislation can provide some relief to area fire departments.”
“This bill represents a collaboration between Senator Bailey and me, based on an initiative of our constituents,” commented Rep. Adam Niemerg. “This will allow on-call, part-time and volunteer firefighters over the age of 35 to test for a full-time fire department position. This removes an obstacle to allow volunteer firefighters with good experience to be considered.”
Under current state law, applicants 35-years of age or older are not eligible to take the firefighter exam unless they had firefighting experience during the immediately preceding five years. Senate Bill 2150 removes the five-year requirement and allows applicants to take the exam as long as they’ve had any previous firefighting experience.
Senate Bill 2150 now heads to the Governor’s desk to be signed.