Archive for May 10th, 2023

East Peoria Fire Department news

Excerpts from 25newsnow.com:

Veronica Marmitt has been with the East Peoria Fire Department 18-years and rose to the rank of lieutenant in 2015. Her recent promotion to assistant fire chief comes just a couple of months after the Peoria Fire Department elevated a woman, Lore Baxter, to the role of Division Chief of Operations.

Two other East Peoria firefighters were promoted on Monday. Brad Reinhart and Sam Sauder were sworn in as lieutenants. Reinhart has been with the department for 11 years and Sauder is a 15-year member of the department.

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Illinois Fire Service news

Excerpts from wandtv.com:

Volunteer firefighters could receive a $500 tax credit starting next year. The plan is gaining strong support following the deadly dust storm pileup on I-55 last week.

Democrats and Republicans are coming together to back the proposed tax break. The Illinois Firefighters Association said Monday this could be a new incentive to address the critical shortage of volunteer firefighters. Sponsors said it will also be a thank you for dedication and hard work. The plan would apply to volunteer firefighters who serve at least nine months and make less than $10,000 each year. 

Recent FEMA data show over 85% of fire departments across the state rely on volunteers and lawmakers say it would be catastrophic without them.

Sen. Neil Anderson serves as a professional firefighter in his district and stressed Senate Bill 2253 is the least lawmakers can do.

Sponsors said the tax credit would cost and estimated $10-$12 million annually. They hope it can be included in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget.

The General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn on May 19.

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