IL SR0601

Designates the third Thursday in May of 2012 as Volunteer Emergency Responder Appreciation Day in Illinois

Recognizes over 30,000 volunteer firefighters, EMTs, divers, rescue squads, and response teams serving throughout Illinois

Acknowledges that volunteers receive little to no compensation despite undergoing extensive training in emergency medical services and other critical skills

Notes that 60% of firefighter deaths in the United States in 2011 were volunteer responders, highlighting the life-threatening risks volunteers face

Honors volunteer emergency responders for responding to calls at any time and leaving their families and jobs on short notice to serve their communities