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Ill. Senate passes bill expanding firefighter exam eligibility for older candidates

Under current state law, applicants 35 or older cannot take the firefighter exam unless they’ve had firefighting experience within the last five years

illinois sen darren bailey firefighter exam bill headshot

Illinois Sen. Darren Bailey introduced a bill that would expand eligibility to take the firefighter exam for candidates 35 years of age or older.

Photo/Illinois General Assembly

By Laura French

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois State Senate has passed a bill that would expand eligibility to take the firefighter exam for candidates over a certain age limit.

Under current state law, applicants 35 years of age or older cannot take the firefighter exam unless they have had firefighting experience within the last five years. Senate Bill 2150, introduced by Illinois Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville), would remove the five-year requirement and allow firefighters in that age group to take the exam as long as they’ve had any previous firefighting experience, according to a statement from the senator’s office.

“Seconds count in an emergency situation and if I can file legislation to help bring more manpower to fire departments across the state to help save lives that is what I am here to do,” Bailey said in a statement. “Anytime we can find a way to benefit and help our first responders, it’s a win because they’re our unsung heroes.”

Bailey said the bill would be especially beneficial for small and rural fire departments that struggle to find enough qualified applicants.

“The problem with current law is that it limits personnel numbers in our most critical districts,” Bailey stated. “I believe this legislation can make a life-saving difference in our communities.”

The bill will now be considered by the state House of Representatives.

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