By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – It sounds like a joke that writes itself – an arsonist is a fire chief. But it’s no laughing matter to Illinois lawmakers.

Jerame (cq) Simmons, whose father is said to be politically connected in southern Illinois, got the volunteer fire chief’s job in Prairie du Pont after Gov. JB Pritzker pardoned him.

“If anybody is convicted of arson, this individual specifically – he burned down a house and attempted to burn down the high school there in his community,” said State Rep. David Friess (R-Red Bud), whose district includes Prairie du Pont. “Our citizens have a right to know who is going to be appointed their fire chief.”

“When does the damage to our public safety stop? How much more can the communities take?” asked State Rep. Mark Luft (R-Pekin). “Pritzker’s pardon is a slap in the face to all the hardworking, honest firefighters throughout our state who put themselves in harm’s way every day.”

Friess’ bill would require disclosure of a criminal record and allow those who hire to consider it.

Simmons’ file has many letters of recommendation, but most of the volunteer force in Prairie du Pont quit.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].