A new Illinois law taking effect at the start of the new year is set to improve transparency regarding firefighter deaths, both in the line of duty and from other causes.

Beginning January 1, the law, spearheaded by State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin), will require the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal to track and maintain records of all firefighter deaths in Illinois—including those resulting from suicide and fire service-related cancers. Senator Castro said the new measure will enhance firefighter safety, provide transparency for families and loved ones, and help prevent future deaths and injuries.

“We owe nothing less than our full gratitude and appreciation to those who put their lives on the line for our communities,” Castro said in a news release. “The dangers that they face go beyond fighting physical fires that are in front of them, as we are continuing to learn firefighters suffer silently from illnesses related to their job.”

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that nearly 2,000 firefighters have died in the line of duty nationwide over the past 20 years. Firefighters are also at greater risk for cancer and other job-related illnesses, in addition to injuries and deaths while on the job.

“Saving and protecting the lives of our firefighters is a top priority,” Castro added. “Having access to this data will allow us to create improved safety precautions to safeguard the health of our firefighters.”