Rockford Sun

Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Moline) made it a point to recognize local EMS workers during National EMS Week.

“Happy EMS week to all the first responders out there,” Anderson, a paramedic by trade, said in a video posted to the Illinois State Senate Republican Caucus YouTube channel earlier this month. “As a first responder myself, I understand what you guys go through, and sometimes it’s a thankless job, and it’s a job that sometimes isn’t worth the pay on some days. Just want to say thank you for the passion that you put into your job. This past year with COVID, we’ve been through the ringer, and I want to say thank you for getting on the rig every day when the tones go off and responding to do your job.”

Recently named to the statewide 9-1-1 Advisory Board, Anderson spent over a decade as a firefighter in the Quad City area before making his way to Springfield. The board is responsible for optimizing the state's 9-1-1 emergency system.

“Public safety is extremely important to me, which is why I became a firefighter and paramedic at the Moline Fire Department,” Anderson said in a post to his website. “I hope my experience and knowledge from these experiences will ultimately help and improve the state’s emergency response system.

Anderson was appointed to the 9-1-1 commission by Senate Leader Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich). The 9-1-1 Advisory Board comprises 11 members, with the director of State Police serving as chair. Anderson’s role will be to serve as a non-voting member, one of four General Assembly members.

With recommending 9-1-1 services to the governor and the General Assembly serving as the board’s primary functions, members like Anderson are slated to serve until March 2024.