Archive for November 24th, 2015

Fox River & Countryside Fire/Rescue District news

Excerpts from the KaneCountyChronicle.com:

A month ago, the Fox River and Countryside Fire/Rescue District Board accepted Jim Gaffney’s resignation as president. Monday, the trustees reacted to yet another resignation from Gaffney – this time from the board.

Bob Handley, who was named president at the Oct. 26 meeting, told his colleagues that he received Gaffney’s resignation letter that day, although it was dated earlier. The resignation was effective immediately. The trustees – who met in a room named after Gaffney at Station No. 3 in St. Charles Township – formally declared a vacancy on the board. Gaffney was absent.

He was serving a six-year term to expire in 2019. The district’s attorney, Ken Shepro, said the board could appoint someone to the position, and that person would serve until the 2017 election.

Gaffney served as the face of the district as it ended its relationship with the city of St. Charles in 2011 and opened two fire stations despite residents’ protests. His departure marks the second notable resignation at the district. Greg Benson – who served as the district’s chief since 2011 – retired recently. Carl DeLeo now serves as fire chief of operations.

When Fox River and Countryside dedicated Station No. 3 last fall, fellow trustees said the training/community room was named Gaffney Hall in recognition of his leadership and vision.

 

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Fire science program at Harper receives recognition

Excerpts from HarperCollege.edu:

Harper College’s Fire Science Technology program has earned national recognition from a U.S. Fire Administration program.

The Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education initiative, which aims to promote higher education and enhance the recognition of the fire and emergency services as a profession to reduce loss of life and property from fire and other hazards, certified that Harper’s program meets all standards of excellence. Harper is just the fourth community college in Illinois to receive this recognition.

“The new recognition and certificate means Harper College’s Fire Science Technology Associate of Applied Science degree is recognized nationally by fire departments across the country,” said Professor Sam Giordano, Fire Science Technology program coordinator.

Giordano said the national initiative encourages collaboration among college degree programs and state fire training agencies. The mark of excellence represents the idea that firefighters and fire officers armed with the knowledge and degree they receive at Harper can reduce the human and economic impact of fires in their communities.

“Our goal is to train firefighters to be the best in the nation, giving them the skills and knowledge they need to save lives and property while keeping themselves safe,” Giordano said.

Firefighters across the suburbs credit the program for launching or furthering their careers. Firefighter-paramedic Joseph Rosner said the degree gave him an edge in the hiring process, and set him up for success once he became part of the Crystal Lake Fire Department. Deputy Chief Peter Ahlman of the Arlington Heights Fire Department was already a veteran in the field when he came to Harper.

“I have learned a lot through practical experience and various classes over the last 25 years, but the Harper Fire Science Technology program provided a whole new depth of understanding in everything from the most basic to the most complex fire technology subjects through excellent and innovative materials, teachers and teaching methods,” Ahlman said.

Harper’s Fire Science Technology degree dates back to 1967.

 

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New tower ladders for Chicago (more)

Fire truck being built

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Fire truck being built

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Fire truck being built

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Fire truck being built

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