‘A huge burden’: Thomasboro Fire Chief discusses OSHA proposal’s impact on volunteer firefighters

THOMASBORO, Ill. (WCIA) — The Thomasboro Fire Chief is weighing in on a proposal that could hurt volunteer fire departments.

OSHA wants to implement a new policy for all stations nationwide, but some some fire chiefs are worried about the strain it would put on volunteer departments. If passed, they would be required to update their equipment every 10 years, no matter the condition. They would also have to spend more hours training.

Fire Chief Paul Cundiff said if the proposal passes, they’ll be out $25,000 to $30,000 each year.

“[For] volunteer firefighters who have full-time jobs and do this to serve their community, it’s a huge burden for them. Career departments such as Champaign-Urbana and New York, like I mentioned, those guys have training time built into their day.”

He said they’ve been doing all they can to voice their opinion on how volunteer departments would need extra help if these new standards are approved.

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