Archive for September 3rd, 2017

Of Interest … College of Lake County

Excerpts from the DailyHerald.com:

The  College of Lake County is the only community college in Illinois to offer an associate degree in firefighter basic operations that includes an internship with a local fire department. And since the internship program began in August 2016, the practical, real-world experience has proven to be invaluable, say CLC’s fire science technology students.

Of 10 CLC students who have completed a two-semester, unpaid internship with the Grayslake Fire Protection District, three have been hired by the department as part-time firefighters. Another four have landed part-time firefighting positions with other local departments, and one is a wildland firefighter in Oregon.

A major strength of CLC’s program is that graduates not only earn an A.A.S. degree, they are eligible for certification at the Fire Basic Operations level by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. Additionally, they receive licensure as emergency medical technicians by the Illinois Department of Public Health. 

The internship program was created under an inter-governmental agreement between CLC and Grayslake fire officials. Both CLC instructors and Grayslake fire administrators collaborate on areas ranging from interviewing candidates to evaluating student performance.

Grayslake Fire Protection District Chief John Christian said, “CLC students are well-prepared for their roles as interns. They know our equipment, procedures and policies. We’re excited to have a strong partnership with CLC.” The Grayslake district serves 37,000 residents and answers 4,000 calls per year.

For those interested in applying to CLC’s program, the process has several steps and requirements. All prospective students must complete the Introduction to Fire Science class as a prerequisite. Students also must agree to earn the degree within two years.

For more details on the application process, contact Justus at rjustus@clcillinois.edu or (847) 543-2928. Learn more about the college’s fire science technology program at www.clcillinois.edu/programs/fst.

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Sycamore Fire Department news

Excerpts from the Dailychronicle.com:

A $1,000 grant from the Allstate Foundation will help the Sycamore Fire Department’s command officers better assess potential structure fires. The funds bought small thermal imaging cameras for the three command officers, who will use the cameras to determine the warmer areas of suspected structure fires and help identify the extension of fire in walls or void spaces.

Fire Chief Peter Polarek said the cameras are about the size of a cellphone, and while they don’t boast the features of larger cameras they’ve had for many years, they can help quickly scope out situations. Even in an event where there’s no fire, but smoke, it can help officers figure out the extent of heat within the walls without tearing out those walls.

The Allstate Foundation awards $1,000 grants to nonprofit organizations based on the volunteerism of Allstate agency owners.

The foundation gave $36 million to nonprofits across the nation and volunteered more than 250,000 hours and since it was founded in 1952 has contributed more than $400 million, the release said.

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Of interest … Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet

From the Interstate Emergency Vehicles Facebook page:

Heading home with our new Rosenbauer Warrior engine. Built for the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL. See it September 15-17 on duty at the NASCAR track.

Chicagoland Speedway fire engine decal

Rosenbauer photo

chevron striping on fire engine

Rosenbauer photo

Rosenbauer fire engine pump panel

Rosenbauer photo

Chicagoland Speedway fire engine decal

Rosenbauer photo

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New brush unit for the Limestone Township Fire Protection District

This from Chief Mike Whalen:

Limestone Township Fire Protection District LMTV

The Limestone Township Fire Protection District recently received a military LMTV (Light Medium Tactical Vehicle) through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Federal Excess Property Program. Through the assistance of many local people and businesses, the vehicle has been updated to use for Brush and Wildland Firefighting, Flood Rescue and Evacuation, Severe Weather Response, and Search and Rescue Operations. 

The LMTV features include:

  • All wheel drive and a central tire inflation system
  • 300-gallon tank and a 3,000 psi 10 GPM high pressure pump
  • 11,000 lb front and rear winch
  • Seating for 3 personnel
  • High intensity LED lighting for nighttime operations
  • Canopy for flood and severe weather operations

The vehicle was placed into service this week and will be available for Mutual Aid and Special Call responses. 

Limestone Township FPD Light Medium Tactical Vehicle)

Second Alarm Fire Photography

Limestone Township FPD Light Medium Tactical Vehicle)

Second Alarm Fire Photography

Limestone Township FPD Light Medium Tactical Vehicle)

Second Alarm Fire Photography

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