Illinois Valley Times

Two Republican lawmakers in Illinois want to see the men and women who answer 911 calls and direct police, firefighters, and ambulances to those in need be classified as emergency responders and are pushing legislation that would make it happen.

The bill supported by state Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia) and Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Alpha) has made its way through the Senate Licensed Activities committee.

"As a fireman I not only understand the stress dispatchers go through, but we rely on them a lot during emergency calls for support and vital information," Anderson said in a press release. "This bill is a commonsense proposal and something I have been working on for several years now."

The legislation, Senate Bill 3127, would make changes to laws already in effect so that emergency medical dispatchers would be classified as first responders alongside police, firefighters, and paramedics. 

"Dispatchers pick up the phone when people experience the worst moments of their lives," Swanson said in the press release. "They are literally the first responders to trauma and we should support them in recovering from the life-altering trauma they shoulder as part of their important public service."

It's a demanding job, especially in cities like Chicago where violent crimes have been on the rise. In December, Keith Thornton, Jr., a Chicago 911 dispatcher, spoke about the shortage of police officers in the city's 16th District on his Facebook page. According to Chicago City Wire, Thornton said that due to the staffing issues, "you're not getting a quick response" when 911 was called. 

"Each day is different as a first responder. It can be stressful, rewarding and a thankless job sometimes, whether you are in the field or managing resources in the dispatch center," Anderson said. 

Anderson said that should the legislation become law, dispatchers would be able to receive the same benefits that all first responders in the state get. 

According to the press release, the bill is headed to the Senate floor for a vote.

Should it pass there, it would advance to the House of Representatives.