With many rural communities throughout Illinois facing a first responder shortage, State Representative Norine Hammond is sponsoring the ‘Future Firefighters Act’ to assist with the recruitment and retention of younger firefighters.
Current Illinois law restricts the minimum age of firefighters to at least 21. House Bill 2136, sponsored by Rep. Hammond, would decrease the minimum age to 18, putting Illinois in line with the surrounding states of Missouri, Wisconsin, and Indiana.
Representative Hammond believes this could be a great resource for qualified applicants as Illinois and most of the nation are within the midst of a first responder recruitment and retention crisis.
“I introduced the Future Firefighters Act on behalf of fire chiefs and fire departments around the state that have recommended reducing the minimum age to 18,” Rep. Hammond said. “If you’re old enough to serve your country in the armed forces, you’re old enough to serve your community as a firefighter. HB 2136 moved through committee last week and I’m working to pass it out of the House this week.”