I joined our fire department in September of 1980. SCBAs were Scott 15 minute capacity. Riding on the tailboard was how you got to calls. The primary attack line was the rubber booster line. Turnout gear consisted of a fiberglass, reinforced plastic helmet, rubber gloves, ¾ length coats and rubber hip boots. I was promoted to lieutenant in 1982, promoted to training officer in 1983 and made chief in 1988. I now serve our fire district as president of the board of trustees.
Needless to say, I have had the extraordinary opportunity to participate in countless, positive changes to the fire service at the local, state and national levels.
Below is a partial listing of my training milestones:
IFSI-Fire Training I-June, 1982
IFSI-Fire Training II-Nov., 1982
IFSI-Specialized Training-Mar., 1983
IFSI-Fire Training III-Aug., 1983
IFSI-Fire Training I-Oct., 1983
IFSI-Vehicle Extrication-Oct., 1983
IFSI-Fire Training IV-Dec., 1983
NREMT-EMT-A-Dec., 1983
IDOT-Emergency Rescue Technician-June, 1984
IFSI-Fire Training II-Aug., 1985
IFSI-Essentials of FFIV-June, 1993
IFSI-Essentials of FFIV-Nov. 1993
TCFA-Firemanship Training-April, 1994
OSFM-Firefighter II-Dec., 1994
TCFA-Firemanship Training-April, 1995
NFA-MCTO-Tactics-Feb., 1995
TCFA-Firemanship Training-April, 1996
OSFM-Rescue Specialist/Confined Space-Trench Awareness-May, 1996
MVFA-Helicopter Ground Safety Training-Aug., 1996
WIFA-Vehicle Extrication-Oct., 1996
TCFA-Firemanship Training-April, 1997
OSFM-Hazardous Materials Awareness-June, 1997
IFSI-Fire Investigation and Arson Recognition-Aug., 1997
NREMT-First Responder-Oct., 1997
TCFA-Firemanship Training-April, 1998
IFSI-Essential Core Competencies-Mar., 1999
TCFA-Firemanship Training-April, 1999
3M-Respirator Fit-Testing Instructor-June, 1999
OSFM-Rescue Specialist-Trench-Dec., 1999
IFSI-Down and Dirty Hydraulics-April, 2000
IFSI-Terrorism Basic Concepts-April, 2000
OSFM-Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Specialist-May, 2000
TCFA-Firemanship Training-April, 2001
IFSI-Basic Vehicle Extrication-April, 2001
IFSI-Heavy Vehicle Extrication-June, 2001
TCFA-Firemanship Training-April, 2002
OSFM-Technical Rescue Awareness-July, 2002
I was active for 22 years, the last 14 as chief. We took our department from ISO 8 to ISO 6. I helped to spear-head the referendum to have our district’s trustees elected rather than appointed. We now elect the trustees. I attended our state’s first fire service summit which helped to establish the state’s Cornerstone training program through IFSI. I served on the rules-making committee for the state’s Fire Truck Revolving Loan Fund, commonly referred to as the Zero Interest Loan Program and have testified at fire service public hearings. I have served as president of the fire district’s board of trustees since being elected in April, 2003. We have been able to pay off the building, the newest fire truck and almost doubled the budget through tax receipts. We have ordered a new truck for delivery in October, 2009. We are a department of 25 active members.
Professional Affiliations: Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts, Western Illinois Firefighters Association, National Fire Protection Association, American Society of Safety Engineers.
No Comments