It is declared as a matter of legislative determination that in order to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, it is necessary and in the public interest to provide for the encouraging and aiding of municipalities, counties and other local governmental agencies of this State in their efforts to raise the level of local fire protection by upgrading and maintaining a high level of training for fire protection personnel. It is declared to be the responsibility of the Office of the State Fire Marshal to encourage the participation of local governmental units in the programs established by the Office and to aid in the establishment of adequate training facilities.
50 ILCS 740/1