A bill sponsored by State Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) that permits certain first responders to use red or white emergency lights has been signed into law.
“As legislators, one of our top priorities has to be providing for the safety of Illinois families,” Plummer said in a press release. “This new law accomplishes that goal.”
Still in his first-term, Plummer is one of several lawmakers to sponsor House Bill 1876, which paves the way for a qualified deputy or assistant fire chief to “operate a vehicle with red or white oscillating, rotating, or flashing emergency lights.”
Under current law, only a fire chief is allowed to take such emergency measures.
“I was proud to sponsor legislation that ensures appropriate first responders can swiftly and safely respond in emergency situations,” Plummer said in the release.
Set to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2020, the new law applies to all fire departments across the state, though Plummer fully realizes where its greatest impact is expected to be felt and pay the most dividends.
"My uncle was a career firefighter and, later, the chief of a volunteer fire department in a very rural town,” he said in the release. “These small but meaningful changes to existing law help keep our families safe in small communities throughout Southern Illinois.”
Running on a platform of job creation, tax reform, fiscal responsibility and tort reform, Plummer easily knocked off Democrat Brian Stout in November with 70 percent of the vote.
In keeping with his vow to stay connected with his constituents, Plummer has a Coffee and Conversation event with voters in his 54th District scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 12 at the Original Springs Hotel in Okawville beginning at 8 a.m.
The 54th Senate District includes all or parts of Bond, Clinton, Effingham, Fayette, Madison, Marion, Washington and St. Clair counties.
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