Shelbyville, Illinois-(Effingham Radio)- A new state law signed this month officially allows Shelby County to form and manage a volunteer county rescue unit to assist first responders in emergency situations. State Rep. Brad Halbrook helped push the bill through the Illinois House of Representatives, saying it’s an important step in ensuring public safety.

“We have many residents who have the skills and willingness to help their neighbors in emergency situations. While we have had a volunteer emergency response force in the county for a number of years, this new law gives us the legal authority needed to create structures and protections and ensure that the County Council can provide the necessary resources,” said Representative Halbrook.

Public Law 103-0895 authorizes the Shelby County Board to form, manage, fund, and operate a volunteer rescue unit to assist any public entity in the county that provides law enforcement, firefighting, disaster relief, or first response services. Such a unit generally focuses on rescue and recovery missions and assists the county’s police and fire departments when they require additional personnel for search and rescue operations.

The Shelby County Board may also decide to provide benefits to volunteer emergency responders who become ill, injured, or die in the line of duty.

“The law gives the district council the authority to finance the team, but not “Create a new rescue district or impose a new tax,” stressed Representative Halbrook.