Reis Fire Equipment Bill Approved in Senate

May 20, 2005

Springfield, IL…. A bill sponsored by Rep. David Reis (R-Ste. Marie) that will give rural and local fire departments the opportunity to purchase much needed equipment from other departments around the state via the internet has been approved in the Senate and moves to the governor’s desk for his signature.

“So many times when I go to biscuit and gravy breakfasts and fish fries that rural fire districts have in my area they tell me they need a certain piece of equipment but don’t know where to go to find something used that is in good reliable shape..”

The bill requires the State Fire Marshal to develop a website of used equipment that is available from departments throughout Illinois. “A lot of this information can be found in magazines but it takes over a month to go through the printing process and to get the publication out to the districts.” said Reis. “By that time a lot of the equipment is already sold.”

The bill also requires the Fire Marshal to promote the website so departments around the state will know about its availability. “This is a program where a fire district in Bloomington or Danville that wants to get rid of a 15 year old pumper can put that information on the website along with a picture and a brief description and get that information out to districts around the state that are in need of such equipment.”

Reis said that he is looking forward to seeing the program implemented and “allowing our rural fire districts to upgrade their facilities and equipment.”