McLean County Times

State Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) is pushing legislation designed to better protect Department of Children and Family Services workers in the wake of the recent deadly attack on caseworker Deidre Silas.

“Rep. Tony McCombie (R-Sterling) and I have been pushing legislation since 2018 to protect our workers at DCFS,” Caulkins posted on Facebook. “Finally, the Democrats in Springfield joined us and saw the need to act. This bill is the first step to provide justice for those that serve to protect the most vulnerable amongst us.”

Legislation now pending in Springfield seeks to increase penalties for individuals found guilty of committing crimes against DCFS employees, with DCFS workers given the same protections as police, firefighters, private security employees, correctional officers, and community policing volunteers.

Known as the Knight-Silas Bill, the measure comes in response to the deaths of two DCFS caseworkers, Silas and Pam Knight, both of whom were killed on the job.

Silas died earlier this month after being attacked while making a home visit in Thayer. Police have since charged 32-year-old Benjamin Reed with first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in the brutal ambush. Her death comes nearly four years after Knight was beaten  during a welfare check in Milledgeville. She later died of her injuries. Andrew Sucher was charged and has since signed a plea deal for 21 years in jail with no parole.

“Some things transcend politics and I'm happy to support this legislation,” Caulkins said. “We are proud to co-sponsor legislation that values our Department of Children and Family Services staff. As a caucus, we have been fighting for this legislation since 2018.”

Gov. J.B. Pritzker worked to push the measure just 48 hours after Silas was killed.

“These professionals do everything in their power to protect children, so it’s time for the legal system to treat them like the first responders they are,” Pritzker told WSILTV.com. “I’m working with the General Assembly to enhance the penalties for adults who harm DCFS workers to align with the protections for other first responders.