SPRINGFIELD – In tandem with a number of Chicago firefighters, State Senator Willie Preston outlined his plan to standardize their promotion process at a press conference Wednesday.

“Chicago firefighters put their lives on the line each day and deserve the same career opportunities as other firefighters,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “It’s time we step up and put forth a standard and fair system for these brave men and women.”

Under Senate Bill 1707, Chicago firefighters would no longer be exempt from the Fire Department Promotion Act – changing the current promotion process for Chicago firefighters. The purpose of the measure is to create a more standardized process of promotions to align with every other fire department in the state were the Fire Department Promotion Act has worked.