"Shib's Law," named after former Sesser firefighter James "Shib" Miller and former Chicago firefighter William Grant, was signed Tuesday morning by Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The law gives firefighters the authority to close traffic lanes while responding to an emergency if no law enforcement or highway officials are present.

"Firefighters put their lives on the line day in and day out," Blagojevich said. "Too often, we forget the safety of our communities depends on firefighters and others who devote their lives to protecting us."

The law was sposored by State Sen. Gary Forby and State Rep. John Bradley.
"We are glad to see this legislation signed into law," said Sesser FPD chief Cletus McBride. "It's too late for 'Shib,' but we believe this will save lives in the future by protecting firefighters who constantly put themselves in dangerous situations."

Miller was killed by a passenger bus in 2007 while fighting a truck fire on Interstate-57.