OTTAWA, Ill. – Legislation passed by state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, to allow firefighter academy graduates to receive a brief history of the labor movement for firefighters was approved by both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly and now heads to the governor for signature.

“This legislation helps recognize the importance of the labor movement in strengthening firefighter safety, working conditions, and better pay and compensation into the training firefighters receive,” said Yednock. “Firefighters from across our state worked with me to craft this legislation to ensure the labor movement receives the historical credit it deserves for improving the lives, safety, and benefits of firefighters all across this country.”

House Bill 2215 will allow candidates to receive a brief presentation that provides them with a historical perspective on the labor movement in the fire service. The education also helps provide the information on how the two major labor unions representing firefighters have been the driving force behind nearly every advancement and improvement in fire and emergency services over the last 101 years.

“The Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI) is honored that Rep. Yednock recognized the importance of including a brief educational presentation of fire service labor history in the curriculum for newly hired firefighter recruits in Illinois,” said Chuck Sullivan, legislative representative for the AFFI. “His hard work and bipartisan approach ensured the bill passed both the House and the Senate.”

Rep. Lance YednockRep. Lance Yednock

(D-Ottawa)
76th District

Springfield Office:
240A-W Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-0140

District Office:
628 Columbus St.
Suite 204
Ottawa, IL 61350
(815) 324-5055