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.”

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.”