State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) and State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) | Facebook
State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) and State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) | Facebook
The state Senate recently passed legislation that will increase eligibility for the Illinois' firefighter exam in an effort to expand the state's pool of qualified firefighters.
Under current state law, applicants 35 years of age and older are not eligible to take the firefighter exam unless they've had firefighting experience within the immediately preceding five years before the exam.
Sponsored by Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) and Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville), Senate Bill 2150 will amend the Illinois Municipal Code and the Fire Protection District Act to remove the five-year requirement and allow applicants to take the exam as long as they’ve had any previous firefighting experience.
"Thank you to Senator Darren Bailey for collaborating on this proposal to help more volunteer firefighters in our area with experience be able to seek full-time positions," Niemerg said in a May 21 Facebook post.
“Small fire departments are struggling to find qualified public servants because of roadblocks and provisions in our current law,” Bailey said. “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.”
Senate Bill 2150 now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.
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