Republican State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington along with Democrat Ram Villivalam from Chicago are sponsoring legislation to help volunteer firefighters and EMT's with a $500 tax credit.
Metamora Fire Chief Mike Sluga said he hopes this new tax credit could help boost recruitment.
Metamora's Chief Sluga has been on the job for almost 40 years.
"It's a calling really, you love what you do, that's why we do it. You don't do it to make money, you're not going to get rich doing this job I guarantee it. You go to help the community." said Chief Sluga
The firefighters have other jobs, but they are prepared to report for duty at any time.
"We're all married to this pager and when it goes off we all come." said Sluga
Senate Bill 3224 would create a $500 dollar tax credit that qualifying volunteer firefighters and EMT's can claim when they file their Illinois income taxes.