Yednock Measure to Include Labor Movement History in Firefighter Training Signed by Governor

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, passed a new law that updates current firefighter training policy to cover the history and impact of the labor movement. Yednock worked with the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois to pass this legislation.

“The history of the fire service labor movement is immense, and is something that should be known and cherished,” Yednock said. “New firefighter training will now include the significant impact that the labor movement had on firefighters across Illinois.” 

Yednock’s House Bill 2215 updates current minimum firefighter training requirements for full time public firefighters in the Illinois Fire Protection Training Act by including the history of the labor movement that benefitted Illinois firefighters. Prior to Yednock’s law, minimum requirements included training new firefighters on first aid practices and administering opioid blocking medication in emergency situations. His bill was signed into law by the governor and received bipartisan support.

“Illinois firefighters perform incredible work and make great sacrifices to keep communities safe,” Yednock said. “I will continue working with both Democrats and Republicans to make sure firefighters are honored for their valiant work.”