East Central Reporter

State Sen. Adam Niemerg (R-Dietrich) is proudly standing behind his first bill that would make it easier for older volunteer firefighters to be able to take the examination to become full-time firefighters.

"Senate Bill 2150 amends the municipality code to allow qualified or quantified firefighters – paid- on-call experienced firefighters over the age of 35 to take the examination to be full-time firefighters and I ask for a favorable vote,” Niemerg said on the Senate floor as the bill was on the verge of easily passing 117-0.

SB 2150 seeks to amend the Illinois Municipal Code and the Fire Protection District Act, paving the way for volunteer, paid-on-call, or part-time experienced firefighters over the age of 35 to take examinations to be full-time firefighters.

Currently, all those groups are banned from testing for full-time positions unless these individuals are members of a department transitioning to a full-time department or if they have a military exemption.

“This bill represents a collaboration between Sen. (Darren) Bailey (R-Louisville) and me, based on an initiative of our constituents,” Niemerg added. “This removes a roadblock that otherwise precludes part-time and volunteer firefighters with good experience from seeking a position.”

The bill, slated to take effect immediately, also removes a requirement that stipulates the worker’s experience was five years immediately preceding the time that the municipality begins to use full-time firefighters to provide all or part of its fire protection service.