2000 and Beyond

The IFA and its members respect change. Departments, fire protection districts, and individual members alike pursue and appreciate the opportunity to serve as:

• Technical consultants/experts to research and development companies, scientists, chemists, architects, engineers, designers, planners, etc.;

• Industry consultants to business, industry, manufacturing, technology, education, government, labor, media publishing, etc; and

• Members of think tanks, task forces, commissions, advisory boards, councils, and committees in both the public and private sectors.

Internally, the association is spearheading programs related to these areas: membership and employment, legislation and policy, public relations and communications, corporate and economic development, industrial and business relations, co-op corporate sponsorships, technological interfacing, networking and information management, professional and administrative services, leadership training and development, conference meeting and planning, and membership, employee, customer and constituent services.

In 2000, the IFA partnered with the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) to introduce the Illinois Fire College, which offered reimbursable classes to Illinois firefighters. Classes were also offered on a region-wide basis. This, along with other initiatives, was the “Vision 2000” plan outlined by the IFSI. The OSFM also introduced task forces such as the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel, Claims Reimbursement Task Force and Terrorism Task Force. The IFA’s website (www.illinoisfirefighters.org) was also launched to strengthen communication between the IFA and its membership, disseminate information and provide links to other fire services associations. On the federal level, the National Fire Caucus presented two bills to Congress, including the Fire Bill and the Volunteer Fire Service Bill. 

In 2001, the IFA participated in a combination conference with the Illinois Fire Chief’s Association and the IFSI. The OSFM stressed the importance of the Illinois Fire Service working together and the necessity for continued growth after the events of Sept. 11, 2001. The IFSI introduced the “Cornerstone Program,” a reimbursable program that offers various fire service trainings to Illinois firefighters. The IFA and IFSI also partnered on the “Down & Dirty” training program and delivered training CD sets to member departments. The deliveries enabled the IFSI training to be shared at the member department level, making the important training available to firefighters who were unable to attend IFA’s annual conference.

In 2002, the Illinois Fire Chief’s Association and the IFSI held another combined conference. IFSI explained the development of the “Down & Dirty” CDs and combined efforts with the IFA executive board. The Cornerstone and Homeland Security programs are still in existence, but funding is at a lull. Hazmat awareness is available online and at no cost.

In 2003, the IFA accomplished several initiatives such as letters being sent to the President and federal legislators to keep the Fire Act Grant Funded, and the President sent a response. The IFA formed a partnership with IFSI to provide insurance benefits to the membership, and lobbyist Margaret Vaughn was brought in to be a voice for the IFA on the state level.

In 2004, the IFA decided to form a special partnership with the IFSI, Illinois’ state fire academy to begin the “Down & Dirty” Firefighter Weekend. The weekend consisted of a combination of classroom and hands-on training. During the event, IFA member departments were able to receive training from the IFSI instructors and full use of the academy facility for training.

The partnership between IFA and IFSI grew closer in 2005 with the second “Down & Dirty” Firefighter Conference, in addition to the CD-based training program. The board attended various conferences, including the National Benefit Summit. The Job Security Act came out of this summit.

The 2006 conference continued the partnership with IFSI with over 50,000 people in the state being trained through IFSI since the last conference. The state of Florida asked permission to distribute the “Down & Dirty” CD/DVD program to firefighters in its state. In return, the University of Florida offered an online bachelor’s degree program in fire science at the Florida in-state tuition rate. The IFSI library was expanded in the international network of fire service libraries so its trainings can be obtained all over the world. On the legislative side, bills passed to date have been the Fire Sprinkler Dormitory Revolving Loan Fund Act, Arsonist Registration Act, Volunteer Firefighter Job Protection Act, Fire Prevention Funds Protected, Rotating Lights and Impersonating a Firefighter.

In 2007, the OSFM offered free NFIRS classes. Departments with firefighters who took the classes would get a laptop computer and printer to allow for electronic filing of reports. Additionally, IFSI discussed a plan to have firefighter awareness training surrounding ethanol plants. There were 100 million bushels of ethanol moving in and out of processing plants.

IFSI, in 2008, worked with the aerial apparatus manufacturer's factories to develop an additional training disc for the “Down & Dirty” DVD training program. The apparatus manufacturers asked if copies of the DVDs could be supplied every time they sold new aerial apparatus as they found this to be a great training aid. A new DVD on Fire Attack is the next project for the “Down & Dirty” DVD program. Videos were provided on the IFSI website for ethanol and foam training. IFSI expanded international training relations with China.

In 2009, the OSFM developed a portal for the state NFIRS reports, enabling departments to check their reports on the internet instead of via emails. The change allows anytime access for departments to check the reporting status of their NFIRS reports. 

• Self-extinguishing cigarette legislation was passed, addressing the leading cause of residential fire deaths.

• Legislation was passed requiring all fraternities and sororities to test sprinklers in their buildings within a nine-year time frame.

• State fire code requires all new residential construction to have residential sprinklers in one- and two-family dwellings as well as hard-wired smoke detectors.

• The Cornerstone Program became an official line item in the state fire marshal’s budget. “Fires On The Farm” was added to the Cornerstone Program.

• IFSI added “Crude Oil by Rail Awareness” and “Ops Courses.”

• OSFM is looking into electronic testing for certification.

• “New Grain Bin Rescue” training is being rolled out.

• Recruitment and retention, fundraising and revenue, data management, benefits and financial security are still the biggest and most common issues in the fire service today.

• Legislation passed on volunteer firefighter tire purchase on state bid pricing.

The IFA continues to serve and advance.