ABC20 has an article about a resolution in the state legislature to form a task force that will look into on-scene safety for police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel.

Lawmakers Aim To Reduce Roadside Risks For Emergency Responders

Local lawmakers are trying to create the Emergency Responder Roadway Safety Task Force to find new ways to keep those men and women safer.”As firefighters we understand our job is just inherently dangerous. However, anytime we can minimize those dangerous circumstances, we obviously wholeheartedly support it,” Chuck Sullivan with the Associated Firefighters of Illinois said.Task force members would be chosen from Illinois firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical crews. Their job would be to put together a report on any equipment or dispatch tactics that could reduce the risk to those on scene, and present those findings to lawmakers by next year.

“The task force obviously has great intentions. I don’t know of any opposition at this point. And then once the task force comes to some conclusions then we’ll see legislation from the task force be introduced,” Sullivan said.

This resolution would cost taxpayers little or no money, as members of the task force would be volunteers. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency would be responsible for offering support to the group while they conduct their review.

The resolution is sponsored by Sens. Chapin Rose of Champaign and Jason Barickman of Bloomington. It’s currently being reviewed by the Senate transportation committee.

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