SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As the new legislative session picks up in Springfield, state Rep. Kathleen Willis, D-Addison, announced that she is the newly appointed chair of the House Committee on Fire and Emergency services.

“As the wife of a retired firefighter, I am honored and humbled to be named the new chairperson of the Illinois House Committee on Fire and Emergency services,” said Willis. “This committee presents an important opportunity to pass legislation and focus on issues that will not only protect firefighters and emergency personnel, but also the communities they serve.”

The Fire and Emergency Services Committee is a newly created body that will focus on debating and reviewing legislation related to the management, safety, and regulations of emergency services throughout the state of Illinois.  During a period when state and local finances are stretched thin, many local governments seek to cut costs by changing requirements for local emergency services. Willis, who is also a member of the Fire Services Caucus, stated that she believes the committee needs to be mindful of the financial realities facing many communities without sacrificing the safety and security of individuals who serve in the emergency services.

“Our communities need to know there are people on call when emergency strikes,” said Willis.  “I want to fight to make sure all communities have this certainty by working to give emergency services the resources they need to get the job done.”

Willis is serving her third term in the Illinois General Assembly as State Representative of the 77th District, which includes O’Hare Airport and portions of Addison, Bellwood, Bensenville, Franklin Park, Maywood, Melrose Park, Northlake, Stone Park, and Wood Dale.