Earlier today, the governor signed a new law that will allow police officers who serve on SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) and Tactical Response Teams to possess and use silencers.  These officers are much more likely to fire their weapons than other officers, and they operate in situations where even a few seconds of hearing loss can make the difference between life and death.

“Police officers put their lives on the line to protect us every day, and the members of SWAT teams take some of the biggest risks of all,” said State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), the law’s chief Senate sponsor.  “Letting them use silencers will protect them, and make it easier for them to protect us.”

Whenever police officers fire their weapons, they experience a few seconds of hearing loss.  SWAT teams operate in tense, dangerous situations like rescuing hostages.  They need all their senses intact to be able to make split-second decisions.  Repeated exposure to gunfire without hearing protection can also lead to long-term hearing loss.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is proud to announce that the governor’s office has released more than $200,000 to help children who attend LaSalle Elementary School in Creve Coeur get to school more safely.  The money, which comes from the Safe Route to School program, will be spent on crosswalk upgrades.

“The Safe Route to School program benefits our communities on several different levels,” Koehler explained.  “Most importantly, it improves the safety of our children.  However, it also encourages them to start walking and biking at a young age, creating lifelong healthy habits, and it helps parents and schools save money on gasoline.”

Illinois Safe Routes to School is a program of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. The program is designed to enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school. The program also facilitates projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity of primary and middle schools.

The governor’s office also awarded smaller grants to Parkview Junior High in Creve Coeur and Bartonville Elementary School in Bartonville to fund safety initiatives.