SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Recognizing the importance of protecting those who serve our communities, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, sponsored a new law that will increase penalties for assaulting a peace officer, fire fighter, emergency management worker, or emergency medical technician that took effect on Jan. 1.
“Emergency personnel are our first line of defense against criminals and our response to hazardous situations,” Smiddy said. “These men and women put their lives on the line for us every day, and our laws need to honor their service by keeping them as safe as possible.”
Smiddy sponsored House Bill 3184, which increases the penalty for aggravated assault against police officers, community policing volunteers, fire fighters, private security officers, emergency management workers, emergency medical technicians, or utility workers when performing their duties. The new law makes this offense a Class A misdemeanor, which can result in up to 1 year imprisonment. If there are weapons involved in the assault, then the offense is a Class 4 felony, which carries 1 to 3 years in prison. The measure passed the House with bipartisan support and went into effect on the first of the year.
“Any attempt to harm emergency personnel or prevent them from fulfilling their duties should be taken seriously,” Smiddy said. “Our communities are one hundred percent behind those who rush to help when everyone else is leaving and, it’s critical that we hold those who attempt to do them harm accountable.”
For more information, please contact Smiddy’s constituent service office at (309)-848-9098.
###
