SPRINGFIELD — Thanks to a measure spearheaded by State Senator Mike Porfirio, firefighters could see increased safety while encountering severe smoke and unsteady terrain on roofs.

“I am honored to name this bill the Drew Price Act in honor of Andrew Price, a Chicago firefighter who gave his life protecting his community,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This is an important first step we must take to protect our first responders on the job, as they defend us from danger every day.”

The bill would require a parapet or guard to be installed around light shafts, skylights and open courts on low-sloped roofs to aid firefighters traversing through dense smoke. Local municipalities would be required to complete surveys of roof safety and hazards of buildings in their district. The surveys would be shared with local police and fire departments to ensure they can avoid dangerous obstacles on roofs when called to an emergency.

“I signed on to this measure to honor the life and service of Drew Price who served with the Chicago Fire Department Engine 55 in my district. Our community misses Drew terribly,” said State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), chief co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1742. “This legislation has the power to protect future firefighters from the fatal injuries Drew sustained in the line of duty.”

Senate Bill 1742 passed the Senate on Wednesday.