East Central Reporter

A new state law signed this month officially enables Shelby County to create and manage a county volunteer rescue squad to assist first responders in emergency situations. State Representative Brad Halbrook played a key role in passing the measure through the Illinois House, describing it as essential for public safety.

“We have many local residents with the skills and the will to help their neighbors in emergency situations. While we have had an emergency volunteer squad in the county for a few years, this new law provides the statutory authority needed to put structure and protections in place, and to ensure the county board can allocate necessary funding,” Rep. Halbrook said.

Public Act 103-0895 authorizes the Shelby County Board to form, manage, fund, and operate a volunteer rescue squad that can aid any public entity within the county providing law enforcement, firefighting, emergency disaster response, or first responder services. Such squads typically focus on rescue and recovery missions, assisting police and fire departments when additional manpower is required for search and rescue operations.

The Shelby County Board may also vote to provide benefits for rescue squad volunteers who suffer disease, injury, or death while on duty.

“While the law provides the county board with funding authority for the team it does not create a new rescue squad district or a new tax levy,” Rep. Halbrook emphasized.