The Associated Firefighters of Illinois asked lawmakers to require the State Fire Marshal's office to track and record the manner of death for firefighters across the state.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law Friday to provide important data surrounding firefighter deaths.

The Associated Firefighters of Illinois asked lawmakers to require the State Fire Marshal's office to track and record the manner of death for firefighters across the state.

Sponsors said it is important to evaluate the types of death these first responders are experiencing, whether it is suicide or various types of cancer.

"Whether a tragedy happens from injuries in the line of duty or from the lasting effects of firefighting over time, this data will shed light on where current gaps exist so we can intervene," said Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin).

This plan gained unanimous support in the House and Senate this spring.

Advocates said the law can improve firefighter safety, promote transparency for loved ones, and help the state develop recommendations to prevent further deaths and injuries.

"Our firefighters have an extremely dangerous job, a job we have sworn to sacrifice our life for," said AFFI President Chuck Sullivan. "Sometimes that death happens on an emergency or training, and other times it occurs because of the cumulative, long-term effects of firefighting."

Senate Bill 1446 will take effect on Jan. 1. 

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