Future of volunteer fire departments uncertain if new OSHA rules are implemented, local chief says

COLONA, Ill. (KWQC) – The future of volunteer fire departments could be in jeopardy if new standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are implemented.

That's according to local officials who held a news conference at the Colona Fire Department on Tuesday.

They say the proposed standards for staffing, administration, training and building updates could have a debilitating impact on volunteer fire departments.

And possibly lead to closures because of the added cost on an already tight budget.

Colona Fire Chief John Swan says that while they support and promote safety, applying the same regulations to departments of different sizes across the country puts volunteer departments at risk of closure.

“I'm asking the general public to go ahead and go online and comment and support your fire department and support the fire service without having to impose unfunded mandates on us,” Swan said.

More information about the proposed new rules can be found on the National Volunteer Fire Council website, where you will also find a link to submit your own comments.

Public comments will be accepted until July 22.

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