EMS in Illinois Inside This Special Issue

THE Winter 2015 ii r r e e aa l l l l FFan official Publication of the IllinoisCC Association of Fire Protection Districts Representing Fire Protection Districts throughout Illinois

EMS in Illinois Inside this Special Issue: n Amicus Files to support Public Duty Rule n Rural Emergency Response HB 4523 n Roadway Safety Task Force SJR 0062 n Grain Bin Rescue Update Think you can’t a ord a Horton? Think again.

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Fe a t u r e s

Th e Senate Joint Resolution Calls for Roadway Fi r e Ca l l Safety Task Force...... 28 A publication of the Illinois Association of New Tool Hopes To Reduce Fire Protection Districts Grain Bin Entrapment...... 30 February - April 2015 IAFPD Files Amicus Brief Supporting Public Vol. 62, Issue 1 Duty Rule In Illinois Supreme Court...... 32 (USPS 017-356) Rural Medical Emergency Response Law: Page 28 Ed i t o r /Pu b l i s h e r : Cheri Breneman An Update...... 34

Adv e rt i s i n g Co o r d i n a t o r : Samantha Thomas IAFPD Pu b l i c a t i o n s Co m m i tt e e : o l u m n s Jim Elliott, Chairman C Tom Harnsberger, Marvin Hill, James Sinclair, Perry Young, Paul R. Grzelak President’s Message ...... 6 Gr a p h i c De s i g n : Fire Counsel Notes...... 8 Tamiko Kinkade, CP Solutions, Inc. Association Update...... 10 IAFPD Page 30 Ex e c u t i v e Co m m i t t ee Legislative Update...... 12 Michael Dillon - 815-458-6838 President Around the State...... 16 Brett P. Kunkel - 618-531-5687 Vice-President Pension Pointers...... 20 Tom Harnsberger - 217-367-6925 Movin’ On Up...... 38 Secretary District Profile...... 42 Bonnie Bayser - 847-515-1602 Treasurer In the News...... 48 Bo a r d o f Di r e c t o r s Paul R. Grzelak 815-200-9691 In Memory...... 49 Marvin Hill 847-713-2048 Page 32 Delbert Housenga 815-589-2084 Advertisers Index...... 50 Ann Joyce 309-243-5150 John Schaer 309-822-8770 Stan Seevers 217-669-2290 Calendar of Events...... 50 W. Perry Young 618-995-9800

Ar ea Rep r e s e n t a t i v e s Lawrence Brown 815-315-8977 Fo r m s Jim Elliott 217-430-7720 Ken Yeakley 217-262-3341 Award Nomination Form ...... 7 Steve Schultz 815-937-1987 ATS 2015 Registration...... 11 As s o c ia t i o n Ad m i n i s t r ato r Cheri Breneman 800-524-6620 Metro-East Mini Conference ...... 15 Page 34 e-mail: [email protected] Calendar Checklist of Annual Th e Fi r e Ca l l is published four times a year in the interest of Fire Protection Responsibilities for Illinois FPDs...... 45 Districts by the Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts (IAFPD). Annual subscription rate for members is $20.00, which is included in the annual dues. Periodic Postage Paid at Springfield, IL and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster - Send address The content of articles contained in Th e Fi r e Ca l l solely reflects the personal opinions of the authors or contributors changes to: and does not necessarily represent the official opinion or position of the IAFPD, its officers, directors, members or staff. IAFPD Th e Fi r e Ca l l Publication is intended and designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the 1306 South Sixth Street, Suite C subject matter covered. These services are provided with the understanding that the Illinois Association of Fire Protection Springfield, IL 62703 Districts is not engaging or rendering in any specific legal or professional services. ©2014 Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts The products and services advertised in Th e Fi r e Ca l l are not to be construed as being endorsed by IAFPD, its officers, directors, members or staff. www.iafpd.org Winter 2015 Th e Fi r e Ca l l 3

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Michael Dillon, President Braidwood FPD

hope everyone’s holiday season was IAFPD welcomes its newly appointed 2016, SAVE THE DATE – JUNE 25, 26, and enjoyable and safe. I want to extend Area Representative, Steve Schultz from 27, 2015. This year’s theme is “Time for our best wishes to all in 2015. Limestone FPD (Kankakee area). Steve a Tune Up”. One of the IAFPD goals is to 2014 ended with two announcements, took was sworn into his position at the continue to strive to be the best fire service first Samantha, IAFPD Staff Assistant January quarterly board meeting. I look conference in Illinois; the 2015 conference resigned to take a position with a school forward to working with Steve as we is one that you won’t want to miss. district. A job (her dream job) she really move into the ATS season and the June As always, I, the IAFPD Board and wanted to do even before she came to the Conference. Staff will continue to attend training IAFPD. Samantha will be greatly missed, I The IAFPD Foundation Scholarship sessions, open houses, dedications and appreciate her devotion and dedication Committee, along with Illinois Fire Chiefs other activities. If your Fire District would to the IAFPD and wish her well moving Education & Research Foundation, and like a Director or Area Representative to on. We will be replacing Samantha, the A.J. LaRocca Memorial Foundation, meet with them or attend your fire district Cheri is already reviewing resumes and awarded several individual scholarships functions, please contact the IAFPD office conducting interviews. in 2014. The committee also provided so that arrangements can be made. n Second, I have been informed by Fire support for the Illinois Community College Marshal Larry Matkaitis that he will not System Foundation, Western Illinois Best regards be re-appointed as Fire Marshal by the University and the Illinois Fire Service Michael Dillon, Braidwood FPD new Governor. Fire Marshal Matkaitis Institute. I want to Thank John Schaer and IAFPD, President will stay until his replacement has been his committee for their dedicated work. determined and duties are transferred. The 2015 Administration Training Sessions Newly Appointed Area Larry is dedicated to the fire service in (ATS) are underway. The ATS session to be Representative Illinois and worked hard to keep the small held in Fairview Heights will be a first for equipment grant programs active, getting the IAFPD. We are combining the ATS with the revolving loans programs back on a mini conference, several vendor will be track and trying to get the Life Safety Code part of the session on Friday and Saturday in Illinois updated. It has been an honor February 20 & 21. Online registration is to serve with Larry on the Fire Advisory available, dates and locations are provided Commission and I wish him the best in his for all sessions in this issue of The Fire future endeavors. Call. The IAFPD is pleased to welcome IFCA Executive Director, Robert As we kick off 2015, I want to thank the Board of Director’s newest appointee Buhs announced his retirement last each of our members for renewing their who will serve a one-year term as Area August. Bob is another person devoted membership. Membership is an important Representative of the Association. to the fire service in Illinois. I had several component to any organization, the IAFPD Trustee Steve Schultz of Limestone opportunities to work with Bob and his is fortunate to have a stable and growing Township (Kankakee) FPD was sworn committees on scholarships, legislation membership base. in this year. Schultz has served their and meeting with our Congressmen and After the ATS programs are completed, volunteer department for 33, has served Senators in Washington DC. Bob and the our focus will be on the 2015 Annual as Trustees for the last 4 years, in an active IFCA are great supporters and partners Conference. The Conference Committee IAFPD member and regular conference with our Association and am proud that has been working on securing the speakers attendee. Professionally, Schultz has I had the chance to work with him. Enjoy and vendors for the Conference. WE HAVE worked as the Safety Director for a central your retirement Bob. MOVED BACK TO PEORIA for 2015 and Illinois trucking company for 10 years.

6 Th e Fi r e Ca l l Winter 2015 www.iafpd.org 20I5 HONOR AND RECOGNITION AWARDS Nominations Now Open

Please select one type of award and use one form for each nomination/nominee. □ Trustees’ Service Recognition Award  Recognizes individuals who have served in good standing as a fire protection district trustee of an IAFPD member district for 12, 30 or 42+ years (based on appointed terms)  Any member of IAFPD may submit a nomination for this recognition award

Honoree ______Phone ______Fax ______Board Position ______E-Mail ______FPD ______Years of Service as Trustee as of June 2014: ______Address ______Date Appointed//Elected: ______City ______State/Zip ______Years with Department: ______

□ Trustees’ Outstanding Service Award  Awards a nominated fire protection districttrustee (past or present) for outstanding service to the IAFPD, a particular fire protection district or districts, or the Illinois Fire Service  Any member of the IAFPD may submit a nomination for this recognition award, but self nominations are not accepted □ Association Outstanding Service Award  Awards a nominated individual affiliated (present or past) with the Illinois Fire Service for outstanding service to the IAFPD, a fire protection district, or to the Illinois Fire Service

The following guidelines apply to this award:  Nominee must have made a significant contribution to the IAFPD, fire protection, prevention, or safety or to the Illinois Fire Service  The Outstanding Service Award Nominations may be submitted by member districts, fire service organizations, or persons involved in the Fire Service in Illinois. Self-nominations are not accepted.

Nominee ______Nominated By ______Title ______Affiliation ______District or Affiliation ______City ______State/Zip ______Address ______Phone ______Fax ______City ______St/Zip ______E-Mail ______Phone ______Fax ______Please explain why you are nominating the individual for the specified Years of Service as Trustee as of June 2014: ______award. Indicate your working relationship with the nominee and any Date Appointed//Elected: ______other information you feel should be considered by the Recognition Years with Department: ______& Awards Committee. (Use additional pages if necessary).

______Forms are submitted to the Awards Committee for review and consideration and must be submitted no later than May 1, 2015. Awards will be presented and acknowledged at the Annual Conference Banquet, June 27, 2015 at the Marriott Pere Marquette, in Peoria, IL.

Please mail, email or fax Nomination Form to: IAFPD Awards Committee - 1306 S. Sixth St. Suite C - Springfield, IL 62703 E-mail: [email protected] – Fax: 217-525-6627 Questions? Call IAFPD at 800-524-6620 www.iafpd.org Winter 2015 Th e Fi r e Ca l l 7 Fi r e Co u n s e l No t e s

A Brief Summary of Line of Duty Death Benefits for Firefighters

By James S. Sinclair IAFPD Legal Counsel

recently issued report by the U.S. • Expressly includes volunteer fire- Federal Public Safety Officers’ Benefit Fire Administration (November fighters. Program 2014) regarding firefighter • Killed in the line of duty means losing • Federal program administered by the fatalities in 2013 in the United States one’s life as a result of injury received U.S. Justice Department Office of Justice reminds us that firefighting remains in the active performance of duties as a Programs. Additional information a hazardous undertaking despite the paramedic or firefighter if death occurs about the benefit can be obtained at increased emphasis on firefighter safety within one year of the injury and the www.psob.gov including checklists in recent years. According to the report, injury arises from accidental cause or and forms for filing claims as well as there were 106 on-duty firefighter fatalities violence. contact information. in 2013. This included 7 deaths which • Claim must be filed within one year of • Has 3 different benefits: death, were included under the Hometown the date of death. disability, educational. Heroes Survivors Benefits Act which • The amount of the benefit adjusts with • Applies to volunteer as well as career was added in 2003 and changed the inflation annually. The last amount set firefighters along with other public criteria associated with the classification by the General Assembly was for 2002 safety officers. of firefighter fatalities. The full report, and was $259,038. This number has • Death benefit is provided by 42 USC which discusses trends and examines adjusted since then by the inflation Sec. 3796. The original law, enacted circumstances regarding on duty deaths is factor. in 1976 as the Public Safety Officers’ available on the USFA website (www.usfa. • Firefighters and paramedics can Benefit (PSOB) Program, was amended fema.gov). This report makes instructive designate by a legally binding will in 2003 by the Hometown Heroes reading for fire protection district trustees, who will receive the benefit. [This Survivors Benefits Act which expanded administrators, and chiefs by identifying means that a beneficiary designation the circumstances in which a death the causes of deaths of firefighters over form alone is not sufficient and for a due to heart attack or stroke may be a multiple year time frame and can assist firefighter or paramedic to control who covered. This is important. While the in the development of practices and gets the benefit, he or she must have percentage of deaths due to stress or procedures within fire departments to executed a valid last will and testament. overexertion was lower in 2013 (35%), reduce the risk of fatalities. Upshot: firefighters need a will.] historically, this has been the leading Firefighter fatalities can occur in fire • If there is no designation, the benefit cause of deaths and has typically protection districts of any size or scope of will be paid to the surviving spouse if exceeded 50% of reported deaths operation and at any time and, accordingly, there is one. annually. it is a good practice to periodically review • If there is no surviving spouse, it pays • Death must be the direct and proximate the state and federal benefits which are to descendants of the firefighter or result of an injury sustained in the line available in addition to standard worker’s paramedic. of duty. compensation benefits. This article covers • If there is no surviving spouse or • Death benefit in 2015 will be $339,310. the highlights of both programs. descendants, other rules apply as to Adjusts annually with inflation. who receives the benefit. • Generally pays to statutorily designated State Death Benefit • Claims are processed through the beneficiaries. • Benefit is created by the Line of Duty Illinois Court of Claims which is a • If there is a surviving spouse and no Compensation Act (820 ILCS 315) special court set up to process claims child, it pays to the surviving spouse • Pays a benefit on account of the death against the State of Illinois. 100%. of a firefighter or paramedic killed in • There is burial benefit of up to $10,000 the line of duty. also. Continued on page 9

8 Th e Fi r e Ca l l Winter 2015 www.iafpd.org Fire Counsel Notes directly and proximately causing death • There is a separate educational benefit Continued from page 8 if the officer while on duty engages for the spouse or child of an officer in a (i) situation involving nonroutine killed in the line of duty. (42 USC Sec. • If there is a surviving spouse and stressful or strenuous physical fire 3796d). there are any children, it pays 50% to suppression, rescue, hazardous • There are special report and claim the surviving spouse and 50% to the materials response, EMS, disaster relief forms which can be obtained online children. or other “emergency response or (ii) a at the DOJ Bureau of Justice Assistance • If there is no surviving spouse and training exercise involving a nonroutine website. there are no children, the benefit stressful physical activity and the heart • Special submittals are needed for pays as designated by the officer in attack or stroke commences while the a claim based on a heart attack or a beneficiary designation on file with officer is engaged in the activity or stroke. the fire protection district or if there after it if the officer remains on duty or • Additional submittals are required for is no designation, the benefit is paid within 24 hours after the activity. a volunteer firefighter. to the individuals designated on a life • The presumption regarding heart • Generally, there is a 3 year time limit insurance policy of the officer on file attack or stroke can be overcome by for filing claims. with the district. Upshot: firefighters competent medical evidence that • There are extensive regulations related need to have designation on file in case the nonroutine stressful or strenuous to this benefit and in the event of there is no spouse and/or children. physical activity was not the cause. a firefighter fatality, it is prudent to • If none of the above, the benefit pays • The district is responsible to maintain obtain professional assistance to to officer’s parents. the beneficiary or life insurance assure that there is compliance with • There is a provision for an “interim designation forms. all requirements. payment” before a final determination • Benefits will not be paid if the injury While this is not a happy topic, subject to reimbursement if it is was due to intentional misconduct, it is an important topic. Hopefully, determined that there is no entitlement intoxication, grossly negligent behavior, the foregoing summary will serve as a to the benefit. or if the person who would receive the reminder and checklist of considerations • A heart attack or stroke is presumed benefit substantially contributed to or in this important area of fire protection to be an injury in the line of duty and caused the injury to the officer. district administration. n

www.iafpd.org Winter 2015 Th e Fi r e Ca l l 9 As s o c i a t i o n Up d a t e

Happy New Year!

By Cheri Breneman Association Administrator

ew Year’s resolutions are a great Make sure IAFPD has the information commitment of the EMS providers and first way to set goals for your fire they need to contact you and communicate responders. I hope our readership benefits protection district administration. what is important to your specific roles, the from the articles we have included and I can offer a few ideas on this concept. fire protection district and the fire services thank the each of the authors contributing Save Money. If your fire protection as a whole. to the themed publication. district is challenged by the cost to train, Plan to join us in Peoria for a weekend The Hotel Reservations for the Annual equip and maintain the fire department of education and recreation at the Annual Conference in Peoria June 25-27, 2015. needs, the Board must explore, research, Conference June 25-27, 2015. We are Group rates have been arranged at 4 area compare and form decisions that impact pleased to welcome back a real crowd hotels and hotel reservations are made your community and fire personnel. The pleaser, Bobby Halton as our the opening directly with the hotel and are now being IAFPD offers trustees training programs keynote. There are plenty of new things accepted. Reservations can be requested in your area to reduce travel expenses, to see in Peoria since we were there last. by completing a Hotel Request Form and provides resources that can save your Embrace the Next Generation. The sending it (via mail or fax) to the Peoria district legal fees and uses technology to gift of giving is more difficult to afford Housing Bureau. Please do not contact help save you time. but appreciated like never before. The the hotel directly! If your fire district is interested in IAFPD Foundation supports students Watch your mail for the event details hosting an educational session for new enrolled in a fire science or related study and plan to join us for the 18th Annual Fire trustees, Advanced Trustee Training, program. Several members of the fire Service Legislation Day in Springfield on continuing education hours or pension protection districts and students enrolled Wednesday, March 25, 2015. Co-hosted training, we want to hear from you. There in community colleges, training at the with the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association are likely others in your area that would Illinois Fire Service Institute and studying and the Northern Illinois Alliance of Fire also like to attend, but cannot attend the fire service management at Western Illinois Protection Districts, our collective goal is dates and locations we have offered. A University have been awarded scholarships to share a common theme amongst the minimum attendance of 30 people will and IAFPD will continue to raise funds for fire service organizations and to promote bring a legal program and lunch to your this purpose. The scholarship program is fair legislation on our behalf. The success area. funded by individual, group or company of this day depends on your involvement Be proactive on something you donations, raffle drawings, golf outing and attendance. care about. Deciding to serve your fire event proceeds and from selling IAFPD If you’re not receiving email from protection district demonstrates your promotional items and apparel. Make our office and wish to, please send me care and concern for fire and safety within plans to join us in Peoria in June and watch an email [email protected] so that you can your community. Taking this role to the for more information on the fun ideas we be added to our safe sender contact list. next level by attending training sessions, have planned for fund raising. Please know that I do not share or sell participating at the conference, reading the In closing, I share a few general email contact information. materials we distribute and understanding reminders with you. Please continue to keep the lines of the importance of membership, can assure As you may know, the winter issue communication open between your fire your community that you are committed of The Fire Call presents a focus on EMS protection district and our office as we to the position you have been appointed throughout its content and gives me an worked together on continued growth or elected to do. opportunity to acknowledge the work and and new directions. n

10 Th e Fi r e Ca l l Winter 2015 www.iafpd.org The 30th Annual 2015 Administration Training Sessions (ATS)

Presented by: Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts Illinois Fire Service Institute Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal

ARE YOU KEEPING UP? – Trustee Due Diligence in 2015: This program will update trustees on new legal and legislative developments in fire protection district administration as well as reviewing the responsibilities of fire protection district trustees using an interactive self‐evaluation method that will help you evaluate and improve your performance in administering your district.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Both new and experienced fire protection district officials, including trustees, fire chiefs, and attorneys will benefit from these programs.

ADVANCED TRUSTEE TRAINING CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENT (CE) Tentative Program Schedule: Trustees who have completed the 3‐Part Advanced Trustee Training (ATT) in compliance with PA 95‐0799 in 2013 or before have until the end of 2014 to 7:30 am ∙ Registration meet the yearly three hour continuing education requirement. Attendance at 8:30 am ∙ Legal Training an Administration Training Session has been approved by the Office of the State 10:15 am ∙ IAFPD/OSFM Updates Fire Marshal and will meet the continuing education requirement for 2014. 10:45 am ∙ Legal Training Cont’d 12:00 pm ∙ Lunch REGISTRATION: Pre‐registration is strongly recommended. Onsite registrants 12:45 am ∙ IFSI Update are not guaranteed a seat. 1:15 pm ∙ Legal Training Cont’d 2:00 pm ∙ Session Ends Pre‐Registered Member / Non‐Member At the Door Optional Q & A $30.00 / $60.00 $40.00 / $70.00

“X” CHOOSE YOUR SESSION ADDRESS ___ Jan. 31 Erie FPD 807 Ninth Ave., Erie Registration for the Southern Illinois Conference ___ Feb. 14 Braidwood FPD 275 W. Main St., Braidwood to be held in Fairview Heights on February 20‐21 ___ Mar. 07 IFSI Learning Resource Ctr. 11 Gerty Drive, Champaign is separate from ATS and can be found on the ___ Mar. 21 Cherry Valley FPD 4919 Blackhawk Road, Rockford IAFPD website FPD: ______Name: ______Title: ______Pre‐Registration Deadline is Name: ______Title: ______1 week prior to each session date Name: ______Title: ______# of attendees will attend Address: ______x $ ______per person = $ ______total session fee City/Zip: ______Phone: ______Total Enclosed: ______Email: ______Fax: ______ The above noted phone and email will be notified if the session is cancelled for any reason. □ Check Enclosed □ Visa □ M/C Card # ______ONLINE REGISTRATION AVAILABLE: www.iafpd.org Name on card: ______MAIL FORM & PAYMENT TO: IAFPD – 1306 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL 62703 Expires: ______CSV Code: ______FAX COMPLETED FORM TO: 217‐525‐6627 QUESTIONS? Please call 800‐524‐6620

CANCELLATIONS received 5 days prior to the program date will be entitled to a refund (less 25%). No Refunds issued after this deadline.

www.iafpd.org Winter 2015 Th e Fi r e Ca l l 11 Le g i s l at i v e Up d a t e

General Assembly in Session

By Chuck Vaughn IAFPD Lobbyist, Vaughn Consulting, Inc.

IAFPD Legislative Initiatives for the he 98th General Assembly was the bidding rules changed to make us the 99th General Assembly: an unpredictable, and sometimes same as other governments, this could be 1. Amend Section 7 of the Fire confusing, 2 years. In year 1 something that is in our future. Protection District Act to eliminate the proposals to confront the massive When you tie the low Veto Session the requirement for publication pension debt which had been caused activity with the small number of bills of the annual budget and by what seems to have been many years passed in 2914 that were important to appropriation ordinance. of avoiding the duties to adequately IAFPD we can then focus on the whole 2. Add an enforcement provision to fund pension systems which the General picture. An example is SB 1681 (Link) the Fire Hydrant Act (425 ILCS 20). Assembly had consistently increased which caused us to negotiate for the 3. Amend to Section 1.05 of the Open demands on, we perhaps were facing the full 2 years to get all the language that Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/1.05) chance that there would not be enough effected us out of the final bill, to leave us to add subsection (g) qualifying cash to support the payments due to with a victory in a bill that could have hurt training on the Open Meetings Act pension participants. Districts badly in court forced combining by fire protection district trustees The GA in 2013 was tied to the of districts that would not entertain such through programs furnished by an eventual passage of a series of “pension actions on their own. Two legislators organization that represents fire reforms” that are now being challenge in continue to push the concept that no protection districts created by the court. It seems sure that the Sup. Ct. will appointed board should be allowed to Fire Protection District Act. have to make some kind of a final decision. levy a tax. So far, this has no traction. 4. Amend Section 1-109.3 of the If the pension deal is finally thrown out, There was also movement to expand the Pension Code regarding mandatory and if the present income tax limits that power given to the DuPage County Board training for Article 3 (Police) and expire 12/31/14 is not adjusted, then a to eliminate other governments to the Article 4 (Fire) pension fund trustees. very severe “cash crunch” will occur. This other counties. 5. Amend Section 24 of the Fire will effect all levels of state government, Workers’ Compensation “reform” Protection District Act (70 ILCS although the fire and police pensions are took very small steps, and this is still a 705/24) to allow a referendum still not in these discussions. great problem. The trial lawyers got bills approval of 10% tax rate limit During the veto session in 2014 passed that reduce the protection in tort 6. Amendment to Section 16 of the we saw very little activity in the House immunity, and make the hire of safety Fire Protection District Act (70 ILCS and Senate which only met on 4 of the consultants now out of the liability shield 705/16) to define the term “serious scheduled 6 days. In week 2 the House status. They also eliminated the Statute injury.” did “final adjournment” so probably no of Repose, (see you lawyer on this). 7. Amendment to Section 16 of the further actions are possible. The Mandates In Cook Co. as in all other counties, Illinois Fire Protection District bill passed which give an arbitrator more tax protests of $100K plus must be sent Act (70 ILCS 705/16) to require a leeway to consider this as a bargaining to Districts. We got a much better “knox- vote within the entire district for issue which chips away at what has been box” bill passed, and a new, and bigger, approval of a disconnection and a traditional right of management. The allocation of cell phone charges goes transfer. Gov. vetoed a bill to correct flaws in “serial to communication centers, with poison 8. Develop new section to Illinois Fire abuse” of FOIA requests. Happily, both control centers now funded in Medicare. Protection District Act regarding chambers over-rode him. Now, in some A bill passed allowing the elimination of enforcement of the Life Safety Code cases, you can respond on your web-site. under the Fire Investigation Act. Another bill discussed rules on Twp. bill Continued on page 14 payments. We follow this because, as in

12 Th e Fi r e Ca l l Winter 2015 www.iafpd.org www.iafpd.org Winter 2015 Th e Fi r e Ca l l 13 Legislative Summary Continued from page 12 Illinois Fire Services a fire department by referendum, but Legislative Day we will have a bill this spring to protect districts from unfairly being forced to Springfield, Illinois step in as a replacement without assent. There were no changes in tax cap laws Wednesday - March 25 except Rep. Lietch get a by referendum increase of the tax permitted for an ambulance levy. We continue to have strong leadership resistance in the House on any changes we suggest for PTEL. Other bills of interest are:

HB 1378 Line-of-duty disability definition changes. Did not advance. HB 1377 Including Parkinson’s as an occupational hazard - Did not pass. HB 3251 Allows other county boards to eliminate other units of government. Did not progress. HB 4230 Cell phone fees. Hb 4334 Raises the loan limit on truck loans to $350,000. Passed HB 4418 Closing a fire department. Passed HB 4741 Greater ability to hire vets up to 40. Passed Only for police. HB 4742 Pension trustee training reforms. Did not advance. ‘ HB 5484 The before mentioned manning bill. HB 5528 Rules and procedures for a voluntary absorbing of one district by another. Passed. HB 3180 Use of tort funds for sprinklers in fire houses. Did not advance. 12:00 pm - Luncheon & Program at Inn at 835 SB 3224 The workers’ comp. bill (located 3 blocks south of Capitol) mentioned. SB 3427 Districts now follow the same bidding rules as other 2:00 pm - Afternoon Visits with Legislators governments. In the end, not a train wreck, but at 5:00 pm - Evening Reception at Sangamo Club least some grid-lock. We are already well (located one block from Capitol) into our legislative plans for 2015, so keep tabs. Thank you for having confidence in me. n Hotel Block - Statehouse Inn ($92/rate): 217-528-5100

Watch for an email with registration details on the IAFPD, NIAFPD or IFCA Websites

14 Th e Fi r e Ca l l Winter 2015 www.iafpd.org IAFPD IS HEADING SOUTH FOR WINTER METRO-EAST MINI CONFERENCE February 20 & 21, 2015 Fairview Heights Four Points Sheraton, 319 Fountains Parkway, Fairview Heights, IL

IAFPD has expanded the traditional half-day Annual Administration Training Session ordinarily held in Collinsville. The session will start at 5:00 pm on Friday, February 20 with a few classes, an Open Forum and a Networking Reception. We have extended the Saturday, February 21 program to include more session on hot topics. Along with the great educational content we will even have a few sponsors and exhibitors attending. TENTATIVE PROGRAM SCHEDULE CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT (CE) FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20 For trustees who have completed the 3-Part Advanced Trustee Training 5:00 pm Check In (ATT) in compliance with PA 95-0799, Full conference attendance will meet 5:30 pm Board Secretary’s Workshop 6 hours of the legal training requirement. Attendance at the Metro-East Dealing with People Problems Mini Conference has been approved by the Office of the State Fire Marshal 7:00 pm Open Forum: Friday Night Fights and will meet the continuing education requirement for 2015. 8:00 pm Welcome Reception

REGISTRATION: Pre-registration is strongly recommended. Onsite SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 7:30 am Check In registrants are not guaranteed a seat. Pre-Registration Deadline is 8:30 am Opening Session & Updates February 13, 2015. (Cancellations received prior to this date will be entitled IAFPD, IFSI, OSFM & VCOC to a refund – less 25% - No refunds issued after this date.) 9:15 am Program Review/Q & A/ Legislative Update

FEES: Member Fee Non-Member Fee 10:00 am Break with Vendors One Day $30.00/person $60.00/person 10:30 am Trustee Due Diligence Part 1 Full Conference $50.00/person $100.00/person 11:45 am Lunch with Vendors 12:45 pm Trustee Due Diligence Part 2 FPD: ______1:45 pm Break Name: ______Title: ______2:00 pm The New ISO-Part 1 (Basics) 3:00 pm Break Name: ______Title: ______3:15 pm Board Treasurer’s Workshop Grant Writing Workshop Name: ______Title: ______The New ISO – Part 2 (Specifics) Address: ______4:45 pm Closing Session

City/Zip: ______Phone: ______Please select when you plan to attend: Email: ______Fax: ______Friday Registration Saturday Registration Full Conference Registration  The above noted phone and email will be notified if the session is cancelled for any reason. ____ # of attendees will be attending

ONLINE REGISTRATION AVAILABLE: www.iafpd.org x $ ______per person MAIL FORM & PAYMENT TO: IAFPD – 1306 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL 62703 = $ ______total session fee FAX COMPLETED FORM TO: 217-525-6627 Total Enclosed: ______QUESTIONS? Please Call 800-524-6620 □ Check Enclosed □ Visa □ M/C Card # ______Discounted room rates ($70.00/night) available at: Name on card: ______Four Points Sheraton, 319 Fountains Parkway, Fairview Heights Exp. Date: ______CSV Code: ______Call (618) 622-9500 before January 20 and reference the IAFPD Block

www.iafpd.org Winter 2015 Th e Fi r e Ca l l 15 Ar o u n d t h e St a t e A Word from our Fire Service Partners

From the Editor: The following column is intended to provide our readers an update on fire service activities from around the state.

Illinois Fire Service and it advised them to shock. They and sisters need medical assistance? It Institute delivered one shock and the Engineer would also be a great time to commit Welcome to 2015! began to regain consciousness. He was yourself to getting into better shape for As you start the New Year I monitored and treated with oxygen. A the profession you have chosen, no one have a questions for you. Have Saginaw police officer arrived and drove made you do this, you chose to do this and you developed a plan for your professional the firefighter to the hospital just a few why not commit and go all in? development for the year? The New Year is blocks away. Maybe it time to become driver here and there is no better time to map out Both the Officer and Firefighter where operator, plan to take a FAE –Drive how you are going to refresh your current EMTs and where ready. Are you ready? We Operator class. Perhaps it’s time to begin firefighting skills and knowledge. It’s also a frequently forget that training is really all a greater leadership role and compete for great time to begin to work on what’s next, about you. It about being ready for the promotions, how about Fire Officer 1 or how can you expand your foundation and situations and challenges that present so Fire Ground Company/Command Officer. take your firefighting to the next level? we can do our job safely and effectively. Or that Training Officer position is opening On January 8th 2015 firefighters from If you’re a Firefighter, Driver Operator, should you be taking a Fire Instructor 1 or Saginaw Michigan where returning Company Officer or even Chief, is it the Instructor 2 class? from a fire call when the engine drive ideal time to develop yourself. How about The options are open, now is the time lost consciousness. The officer and becoming a Firefighter EMT or Paramedic. to develop a plan for your professional firefighter where able to stop the truck In 2014, 87 firefighter died in the line of development. Invest in yourself, your safety and remove the Engineer from the cab. duty, want to guess what the leading and in your value to your department. IFSI Upon assessment the found him pulseless cause was. Same as last year and the year has class offering throughout the year. and not breathing. They began CPR before, Cardiovascular Emergencies. What Go to the IFSI web site find a class and and they immediately attached their would the value be in having the skills as register. Contact your local Associate/ Automated External Defibrillator (AED) an EMT or Paramedic when your brothers Resource hospital or community college

2015 ISFI Training Calendar Program Start End Location NFA Intro to Wildland Urban Interface Operations for Structural Comp Officers 2/11/2015 2/12/2015 Buffalo Grove Instructor 1 2/16/2015 2/20/2015 Carol Stream F0457 - Decision Making for Initial Company Operations 2/18/2015 2/19/2015 Quincy Fire Department, Quincy IL NWCG G-130 Wildland training for structural firefighters 2/20/2015 2/22/2015 TBA Anhydrous Ammonia Emergencies 2/21/2015 IFSI Urbana-Champaign IL Rope Rescue Level 1 - Blended 2/23/2015 4/19/2015 Blended - On-Line Command and General Staff for Local IMTs 2/23/2015 2/27/2015 Marion NWCG S-230 Crew Boss Single Resource Management 2/24/2015 2/26/2015 IFSI Urbana-Champaign IL Rapid Intervention Team 3/2/2015 3/6/2015 IFSI Urbana-Champaign IL Basic Firefighter/NFPA Firefighter 1 Academy 3/3/2015 4/17/2015 IFSI Urbana-Champaign IL F0803 - Leadership I for Fire and EMS: Strategies for Company Success 3/5/2015 3/6/2015 Peoria Fire Department, Peoria IL NFA Intro to Wildland Urban Interface Operations for Structural Company Officers 3/11/2015 3/12/2015 IFSI Urbana-Champaign IL For more information on upcoming classes visit our web site @ http://www.fsi.illinois.edu/

16 Th e Fi r e Ca l l Winter 2015 www.iafpd.org Around the State In addition to the above classes and any other solution that might help Continued from page 14 IFSI is working on Fire Instructor 1 and reduce the massive harm caused by home Haz Mat Operations. Both programs fires. are in final development and should be A Blue-Ribbon panel of judges will and take an EMT or Paramedic class. Don’t available in the second quarter of 2015. evaluate the entries based on efficacy, wait, plan out your 2015 professional Both classes will follow a similar format as feasibility, originality, collaboration, and development. the course above. We are also working on presentation. The top three teams in each the development of Basic Firefighter and age division (7 to 10, 11 to 14, and 15 to New “Blended” Programs Coming Advanced Firefighter Technician, with their 18) will share $20,000, $10,000, and $5,000, From IFSI roll out later in 2015. What IFSI’s web site respectively. One of the First Place teams A “Blended” class is a class that for updates. will be selected as the Grand Prize winner combines both online and in person and will share $100,000. activities. It is an option to take the Illinois Fire Service Institute Regional Up to four members of the First Place classroom portion of a class when you Representatives: and Grand Prize teams (and a parent or want from your home, department or The IFSI Regional Representative legal guardian for each member) also will most any were with internet access. The receive a 3-day/4-night trip to Los Angeles practical activities or hand on skills of the can be your important link to bringing State Fire Academy training to your Fire to attend The Project Paradigm Awards class are taken at IFSI or an appropriate Ceremony. Youth, parents, and educators regional or even local training site. These Department. A map showing all IFSI Regional Representatives can be found at: can learn more about The Challenge at two parts created the blending of online www.IFSA.org. and practical training or education and is www.fsi.illinois.edu. of the same high quality you have come Jim Keiken, IFSI Deputy Director Dates to Remember: to expect of an IFSI class but it allow you April 7 IFSA Membership Meeting have a more flexible schedule of training (Countryside) to meet the time challenges that life Illinois Fire Safety June 21-27 25th Anniversary Camp presents. Alliance “I Am Me” – (Ingleside) IFSI has two new blended class T h e P a r a d i g m June 24 Camp “I Am Me” Fire Apparatus offerings this year with more being Challenge | Youth across Parade & Appreciation Day rolled out throughout the year. The Fire the country are taking a (Ingleside) Apparatus Engineer (FAE) Online course stand against America’s #1 disaster threat: October 8 Fire Prevention Week Luncheon is a blended course in that all classroom home fires. (Woodridge) materials will be delivered online through Project Paradigm (a private Information on all IFSA events, the IFSI Student and Staff Resource Center. foundation), the American Red Cross, the programs, and services can be found at Students will be provided instruction Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, and a broad www.IFSA.org. in 13 subjects under the close direction coalition of fire, youth, and educational Philip Zaleski of an instructor. The practical portion of organizations recently launched an annual IFSA Executive Director the course will be administered in three youth competition to inspire positive sessions at the IFSI Training Campus in change in the world. The first annual Champaign. Classroom / Practical sessions Paradigm Challenge aims to generate new Fire Inspectors will be on Week 4 (One day), Week 8 (One ideas to prevent injuries and fatalities from Association day) and Week 13 (Two day practical, state home fires. Project Paradigm will award The last touches are exam, and evaluation session) cash prizes of up to $100,000 to the top being put in for our first The blended R o p e R e s c u e 100 teams. “combined” conference, Operations is an 8 week program. During Fire is everyone’s fight. Home fires April 29 – May 1, 2015. that time, students will have weekly kill more Americans than earthquakes, We have two great general session online studies including viewing online hurricanes, and tornados combined. Youth morning speakers. Wayne Powell, who has presentations, chat sessions, student are invited to use science, technology, over 35 years of fire service experience. activities, and quizzes. This course offers engineering, math, kindness, creativity, With his experience and knowledge of the student weekly live interactivity with and collaboration to help save lives. This the history of the fire service, Wayne will their instructor via the online classroom program is provides a great opportunity talk about where we came from, where page. Students are also provided with for fire service public educators to become we are at today, and where we should presentations that have step-by step further engaged with the schools in their be heading. Mr. Powell is also the curator directions on how to perform rope rescue communities. of the National Fire History Museum in skills. Students use this instruction to The deadline to submit ideas to help Emmitsburg, MD. practice and become proficient prior to fire preparedness, prevention, detection, On Thursday, Walter Bailey, who was the practical session conducted on the or suppression is May 1, 2015. We welcome the busboy at the Beverly Hills Supper Club final weekend of the course. inventions, videos, posters, messages, community events, websites, games, apps, Continued on page 16 www.iafpd.org Winter 2015 Th e Fi r e Ca l l 17 Around the State the number of people who may have seen The Risk Watch Symposium will be Continued from page 15 an article, heard something on the radio held March 25th, 2015 from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 or in a podcast, watched something on p.m. at the Wyndham Garden, 1003 W. television, or read something on a web Killarney, Urbana, IL (Formerly the Holiday and stepped on stage to alert guests to page or blog, we reached 10.5 million Inn). the fire and direct them to leave. Although people that week. • Registration form must be post 170 died that night, Walter is credited The IFIA attended participated at the marked by March 10th to attend either with saving many lives that night. He will annual fire services legislative summit. event. chronicle his activities that fateful night. This is where the major fire service • This training and symposium are This is an opportunity to hear a first person organizations in the State meet to discuss both FREE OF CHARGE and can include as account about one of the major fires in possible legislative issues. This year the many participants as you deem necessary history does not come often, and is not IFIA presented two initiatives. One was including Fire Department Personnel, to be missed. for the requirement for CEUs to retain a teachers, health officials and/or school Conference registration can be State Fire Marshal inspector certification. administrators. completed at www.illinoisfireinspectors. This is similar to what is required for fire • Hotel rooms for the night of the org. To make reservations on-line visit investigators. It was determined that this 24th are FREE of charge for symposium www.embassysuiteseastpeoria.com. The would be pursued through the Rules attendees (2 per community). Once Group Code is INS. Or, make reservations process. The second initiative was for a registered, information on how to reserve by calling 1-800-EMBASSY, mention the certification for companies that clean hotel rooms will be sent to you. room block IL Fire Inspectors and code commercial hood and ducts. A large Due to current low attendance INS. percentage of fires in restaurants are numbers, the deadline for registering for We continue to offer various education attributed to a build-up of grease. This the Risk Watch New Community Training certifications. The Fire and Life Safety Class should reduce the number of restaurant and/or Symposium has been moved was just completed, and in December fires, thereby making the firefighter’s job up to February 22nd. If you have been an NFPA Plans Examiner Class was held. safer. considering attending either event, please We are planning another Fire Inspector 1 In December we swore in new officers. submit your registration ASAP. class in March and a Fire and Life Safety They are Mike Toika, Addison, President; For more information, contact: Jessica Education class I February Joe Welter, Buffalo Grove, Vice President; Blackford-Cleeton, Office of the State Fire In October we held our annual Fire Ed Dunne, Evergreen Park, Secretary; and Marshal - Div. of Public Education/NFIRS Prevention luncheon. Several members of Dan Riordan, Tinley Park, Treasurer. at 217-558-0324 or email her at: jessica. fire prevention bureaus were recognized Finally, now that we are in a new [email protected]. for “above and beyond” duties. In addition, year, we “officially” are using our logo. two civilians were recognized for the After decades of the old one, it was time actions in help people to safely escape for a change. It will be some time until home fires. Illinois Fire Chiefs everything gets changed over, but you Also in October, I had the opportunity Association will be seeing more and more of it now. to partner with Dan Finnegan, from The IFCA has been busy Robert Morris Siemens, to do a “media tour” at the transitioning into the New Executive Director, IFIA start of Fire Prevention Week. During the Year. As many of you know, morning, we gave over 24 radio and TV our long time Executive interviews to stations around the country. Director, Bob Buhs, is retiring after serving Most of these were live broadcasts, Office of the in that position for 11 years. During that typically 3 – 5 minutes, but some were State Fire Marshal time, Bob has brought so much to the “taped live” to be broadcast later in the R i s k Wa t c h N e w organization and elevated us to that “next week. Based on information we later Community Training AND level”. The IFCA is truly one of the top Fire received, if an “impression” is defined as Risk Watch Symposium to Chiefs associations in the United States. be held March 24th and His energy, knowledge and experience 25th, 2015. Come join the Risk Watch are something you just don’t replace team on March 24th, 2015! Make your easily. After a 4 month search we do have community a leader in unintentional injury a new Executive Director candidate that prevention for today’s youth! we are currently negotiating with and Then, on March 25th, 2015– Join Risk hope to make an announcement soon. I Watchers from around the State for a day am sure he will bring as much enthusiasm, of community sharing, best practices and knowledge, and experience as Bob has wonderful speakers! The Risk Watch New and we look forward to moving forward Community Training will be held March in 2015. 24th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Continued on page 16

18 Th e Fi r e Ca l l Winter 2015 www.iafpd.org Around the State Illinois Corps of New officers were appointed in Continued from page 14 Fire Chaplains October to the following positions: While the mission of the • Ray Gurunian, chaplain Carol Stream The EMS committee, co-chaired by ICFC has stayed the same, FPD - President Chief Mike Hanson (Lincolnwood FD) our leadership has recently • Frank Dominowski, chaplain Hanover and Deputy Chief Dan Anderson (Lisle- changed. When our founder, Jennie Park FPD - Vice-President Woodridge FPD), submitted a proposal Swanson, moved to Wisconsin, chaplains • Mary Cramer, chaplain Nunda Rural to the state EMS Advisory Council for Dave Van Laar and Ray Gurunian were FPD - Treasurer Mobile Integrated Healthcare. As of this elected as President and Vice-President. The transition has not been easy time, no action has been taken by the Earlier this year Dave was asked to take but we are working hard to see the ICFC Advisory Council. The vision of the working the helm of the nation’s Biscuit and Cookie running smoothly again. Much work needs sub-committee for Mobile Integrated Manufacturing Association. Those who to be done and much progress is being Healthcare in Illinois is to use mobile know Dave recognize this is not a job made in our goal to support fire chaplains resources (fire based EMS) to provide for him, but a ministry opportunity he is across the state. in-home care for patients suffering from uniquely qualified for. But the time he now Over the next couple of months you chronic diseases, in need of preventative has to spend in Washington DC has made can expect a personal call from one of us. care, or post-operative follow-up visits. it impossible for him to continue on the Please take time to let us get to know you, These types of programs, already in place2015 IllinoisICFC Fire board. Safety Please Alliance pray Camp for him. “I Am His Me service” license andplates feel are free now to available let us know for $40.00 how perwe canset ($26.50 will be consideredto fire chaplains a donation in to our the state IFSA ) overand canthe belast displayed best supporton your vehicleyou. n from April 22 through June 27, in other states, can have a huge effect on th our health care system. By utilizing highly2015 (theyear last dayhas ofbeen Camp greatly “I Am appreciated.Me.”). Help support the IllinoisRay Fire Gurunian Safety Alliance and the 25 Anniversary of Camp “I Am Me” today with the purchase of these unique license(630) plates! 918-1710 trained and well equipped paramedics, we can help citizens of our communitiesThe license plate numbers are limited from 1 to 200. The State of Illinois will be mailing the license plates get healthier and hopefully eliminatedirectly to you from Springfield. Because the state will be mailing the plates directly, anyone who sends in a emergency room visits and cut healthcarevehicle registration that is not valid through June 27, 2015 will not receive their plates. costs. Community paramedics, working in conjunction with primary care physicians,If you purchased a set of Camp “I Am Me” license plates last year and you would like to reserve the same plate number, send in the completed application by March 31, 2015. All applications will be accepted through the to help patients is the future of our health month of April 2015. care. We look forward to approval and start- up of programs across the state in 2015. Contact Maria2015 Piszczor Illinois Fire at theSafety Huntley Alliance FireCamp Protection “I Am Me” license District plates at (are847 now) 669 available-2996 for if you$40.00 have per anyset ($26.50 questions. The planning is currently being will be considered a donation to the IFSA) and can be displayed on your vehicle from April 22 through June 27, done for the 2015 Legislative Day. The 2015 (the last day of Camp “I Am Me.”). Help support the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and the 25th Anniversary of Camp “I Am Me” today with the purchase of these unique license plates! IFCA is proud to once again partner with the IAFPD in gathering our members in The license plate numbers are limited from 1 to 200. The State of Illinois will be mailing the license plates directly to you from Springfield. Because the state will be mailing the plates directly, anyone who sends in a Springfield to discuss fire service issues vehicle registration that is not valid through June 27, 2015 will not receive their plates. with our legislators. We anticipate an If you purchased a set of Camp “I Am Me” license plates last year and you would like to reserve the same plate active session with the new general number, send in the completed application by March 31, 2015. All applications will be accepted through the assembly. We will be working to not month of April 2015. only further our legislative initiatives but also to educate the legislators on other Contact Maria Piszczor at the Huntley Fire Protection District at (847) 669-2996 if you have any questions. initiatives introduced and how they affect Please return the completed form with a valid copy of your license plate registration and a $40.00 check made the Illinois fire service. IFCA and IAFPD 2015 Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Camp “I Am Me” license plates are now representatives will also be gatheringpayable in to the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance to: available for $40.00 per set ($26.50 will be considered a donation to the IFSA) Washington D.C. for the CongressionalMaria Piszczorand can be displayed on your vehicle from April 22 through June 27, 2015 (the Fire Service Institute’s SymposiumHuntley and Fire Protectionlast day of District Camp “I Am Me.”). Help support the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and the Dinner. While in Washington, weP.O. will Box 517 25th Anniversary of Camp “I Am Me” today with the purchase of these unique visit with our local members of CongressHuntley, IL 60142license plates! to discuss national fire service issues as The license plate numbers are limited from 1 to 200. The State of Illinois will well as attend lectures on topics such as Name______Please return the completed form with a valid copy of your license plate registration and a $40.00 check made payablebe mailing to the Illinois the licenseFire Safety plates Alliance directlyto: to you from Springfield. Because the state community risk reduction, federal funding will be mailing the plates directly, anyone who sends in a vehicle registration that Address______Maria Piszczor for first responders, rail tank car incidents, Huntleyis not Firevalid Protection through District June 27, 2015 will not receive their plates. and firefighter health and safety. City______P.O. BoxIf 517you purchased a set of Camp “I Am _Me”_ Zip license Code______plates last year and you I would like to wish everyone a Happy Huntley, IL 60142 Email______would like to reserve the same plate number,______send in the completed application New Year. Let’s have a great 2015. by MarchName______31, 2015. All applications will be accepted through the month of April Sean M. Maloy Telephone #______Cell Phone #______2015.Address______

President, IL Fire Chiefs Assn. For more information contact Maria Piszczor at the Huntley Fire Protection Current IllinoisCity______License Plate# ______Zip Code______District at (847) 669-2996 if you have any questions. Email______Last Year I Had Burn Camp Plate # ______Telephone #______Cell Phone #______This is my first plate request and would like # ______www.iafpd.org Current Illinois License Plate# ______Winter 2015 The Fi r e Ca l l 19 (Please choose several numbers between 1-200) Driver’s LicenseLast Year Number______I Had Burn Camp Plate # ______

This is my first plate request and would like # ______(Please choose several numbers between 1-200) Driver’s License Number______Pe n s i o n Po i n t e r s

Recovery from Disability and Return to service: A Roadmap for Pension Funds and Fire Protection Districts

By Carolyn Welch Clifford Ottosen Britz Kelly Cooper Gilbert & DiNolfo, Ltd.

Editor’s Note: Pension Pointers is a column provided for our members who also serve on the Fire Pension Board.

hen a firefighter is awarded the disabled firefighter at the time of the disabled, but he or she is disabled for reasons a disability benefit most original application for disability benefits. that are different than the original reasons pension boards do not In other situations, a pension board the individual is receiving disability benefits. expect to see that firefighter return to may have one appointed IME physician In other situations, an IME physician duty. However, from time to time, a who evaluates all disabled firefighters might declare the firefighter is no longer firefighter does recover from disability and annually. In either instance, it is important disabled, but the fire protection district’s is able to return to service. In some cases, that the IME physician be provided with occupational physician concludes the these returns are cause for celebration; the original background materials from firefighter is “not fit for duty.” This becomes in other instances, these returns are the hearing (admitted exhibits, hearing particularly difficult in two situations: (1) met with resistance. In both instances, transcripts, and the findings and decision where the original disability was “line of pension funds and their fire protection of the pension board), as well as the duty” or “occupational disease,” and the districts need to be prepared to follow the disabled firefighter’s affidavit and current current disability is “non-duty;” or (2) roadmap from “recovery from disability” to medical records. where is unclear whether the fact that “return to service.” The IME physician will be asked to the firefighter is “not fit” to perform active answer two questions: service equates to a “disability.” The beginning of the journey: annual 1. Does the firefighter continue to be Section 4-112 provides, “Upon IME of the disabled firefighter disabled to the point he or she is not able satisfactory proof to the board that a Section 4-112 of the Illinois Pension to perform his or her duties as a firefighter firefighter on the disability pension has Code (40 ILCS 5/4-112) provides that the pursuant to the job description? recovered from disability, the board shall pension board must have all disabled terminate the disability pension.” However, firefighters medically examined each 2. Is the firefighter’s injury/illness that if the firefighter has recovered from the year prior to the age of 50 to verify prohibits him or her from performing injury that caused him to originally receive continuance of disability. This process his or her duties as a firefighter the same a line of duty disability pension benefit is initiated by sending the disabled injury/illness which caused him or her (such as, for example, an ankle injury), firefighter an “affidavit of eligibility,” which to qualify for disability pension benefits but a physician now finds him disabled requires that information regarding the originally? as a result of a non-duty issue – such as, disabled firefighter’s current employment, If the IME physician answers both for example, alcoholic hepatitis – then medical treatment and physical activities questions affirmatively, the annual IME the board will need to initiate a hearing be disclosed to the pension board. The process is complete. However, if the IME process to terminate the duty-related disabled firefighter will also need to fill out physician answers one or both of the pension benefit and consider the possible and have notarized an authorization for questions negatively, you have come award of a non-duty disability pension release of medical records, which allows across the first fork in the road. benefit. the pension board to secure directly any This scenario actually occurred in new and current medical records of the A fork in the road: how to handle the the context of a Chicago police officer in disabled firefighter. firefighter who is disabled or unfit “for the Seventh Circuit case of Buttitta v. City Typically, the IME physician selected other reasons” of Chicago, 9 F.3d 1198 (7th Cir. 1993). In by the pension board is one of the three Occasionally, an IME physician may original IME physicians who evaluated conclude that a firefighter continues to be Continued on page 22

20 Th e Fi r e Ca l l Winter 2015 www.iafpd.org www.iafpd.org Winter 2015 Th e Fi r e Ca l l 21 Pension Pointers About the Author: Carolyn Welch Clifford is a partner with Ottosen Britz Kelly Cooper Continued from page 20 Gilbert & DiNolfo, Ltd. in Naperville, Illinois. Ms. Clifford earned her B.S. and J.D. degrees from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. She serves as editor of the one of Buttitta, a police officer who had been on the firm’s publications, Legal Insights for Pension Boards, and is a frequent speaker at fire a duty-related disability pension for an service and public pension conferences in Illinois and nationally. Ms. Clifford concentrates ankle injury sued the City of Chicago for her practice in the representation of Illinois firefighter and police pension funds, as well as failing to reinstate him to active duty after fire and police commissions and fire protection districts. You can contact her atcclifford@ the Chicago police pension fund board ottosenbritz.com. had relied upon an orthopedic surgeon and the board’s physician’s determination purpose, simply does not address have found on several occasions that a that his ankle had recovered and he the transfer of police officers from firefighter who is not fit for duty may not could return to work. Section 5-156 of disability to active duty in the necessarily be “disabled.” (See, for example, the Illinois Pension Code provides, “When manner suggested by Buttitta. Reed v. Retirement Board of the Firemen’s the disability ceases, the board shall (Buttitta at 1203) Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago, 395 discontinue payment of the benefit, and Ill.App.3d 1 (1st Dist. 2009) and Dowrick v. the policeman shall be returned to active The court continued: Village of Downers Grove, 362 Ill.App.3d 512 service.” (40 ILCS 5/5-156) (2nd Dist. 2005)). Although the Chicago police pension The phrases “when the disability board was prepared to terminate the line ceases” and “shall be returned to As the courts have said: of duty disability benefit, the Chicago active service” must be read in Given the compelling public Police Department’s Medical Services context. We find it implausible interest in ensuring the fitness of Section examined the police officer, that the Illinois legislature would firefighters to perform their duties, determining that while it agreed with the use such language in the context it is reasonable to conclude that pension board that the police officer was of what is primarily an antifraud the General Assembly deliberately no longer disabled by the ankle injury, the statute to grant the Pension Board set the bar lower for a municipality city must deny reinstatement because of a an extraordinary measure of control seeking to discharge an unfit “significant elevation of hepatic enzymes, over the transfer of police officers firefighter than for a firefighter to indicative of an active inflammatory between disability and active obtain a disability pension, and process in the liver.” As a result, the pension duty. committed the decision to separate board “adjusted” the officer’s status from agencies with different missions. “duty disability” to “ordinary disability” in We believe that §5-156 does intend (Dowrick at 521) order to reflect the fact that his current some role for the Board in the disability – liver inflammation – was not transfer process, albeit a lesser The courts have taken this reasoning duty related, and reduced his benefit from role than either Buttitta or the and applied it equally to a scenario where 75% to 50% of salary. district court envision. We note that a firefighter or police officer is denied a The court addressed the dilemma the Board has a duty to preserve disability pension because he or she is created by this scenario: does the pension funds and the Police “essentially normal” and can return to determination by the pension board as Department has a duty to keep active duty, but denied reinstatement to the cessation of the original disability unfit officers off the streets. Because by the fire or police department because require the fire or police department the process of transferring police he or she is “unable to perform” the to place a firefighter or police officer officers between disability and essential duties of a firefighter. The courts immediately into active service? According active duty directly implicates both have specifically concluded this is “not to the Seventh Circuit in Buttitta, under of these duties, we are convinced incongruous” or “unfair.” (Reed at 4) Section 5-156, the answer is “no.” The court that §5-156 requires both the Board The court’s conclusions, however, explained: and the Police Department to be that have left some firefighters essentially involved in this process. Thus, we “caught” in the middle between working But the statute’s language providing construe the statutory directive – and disability, led to changes to Section “when the disability ceases, the that the Board return an officer to 4-112 of the Illinois Pension Code in 2007. board shall discontinue payment active service following a finding Section 4-112 now provides that after a of the benefit, and the policeman that the disability has ceased – as board terminates the disability pension shall be returned to active service” merely an initial step in the transfer upon proof of recovery: does not bestow upon the Pension process. (Buttitta at 1203-1204) Board the exclusive authority The firefighter shall report to to determine when a disability The court’s conclusions make sense. the marshal or chief of the fire ends and to compel the police A fire or police department should only department, who shall thereupon department to return an officer to place into active service those individuals active duty. This language, while who are fit for duty. And often “fit for duty” clear and unambiguous for its and “disabled” are not synonymous. Courts Continued on page 25

22 Th e Fi r e Ca l l Winter 2015 www.iafpd.org www.iafpd.org Winter 2015 Th e Fi r e Ca l l 23 Lieutenant Clarence Norwood Chicago Fire Department

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Sentinel Emergency Solutions 800-851-1928 • www.sentineles.com © MSA 2014 • ID 5713 Pension Pointers be used, in whole or in part, by core muscles and building endurance of Continued from page 22 any municipality or fire protection the lower back muscles. He was tested district employing firefighters, for food allergies, and upon identifying order immediate reinstatement emergency medical technicians, or several areas of concern, eliminated into active service, and the paramedics as cause for discharge. certain foods from his diet which in turn municipality shall immediately (40 ILCS 5/4-112) reduced inflammation. He was able to stop return the firefighter to its payroll, taking his pain medications, he stopped in the same rank or grade held at No court has yet interpreted what this wearing his back brace, and he became the date he or she was placed on might mean in a scenario where a pension pain free. disability pension. If the firefighter board has terminated a disability benefit When his annual IME process began must file a civil action against the and a firefighter has returned to the fire this year, he notified the pension board municipality to enforce hire or her department or fire protection district’s that he would be specifically seeking to mandated return to payroll under payrolls, but is unable to perform the job, terminate the disability pension benefit this paragraph, then the firefighter for whatever reason. This is likely to be a and return to active service. As a result, the is entitled to recovery of reasonable “case by case” assessment of whether the IME physician was instructed to include court costs and attorney’s fees. (40 fire chief can then seek to discharge the a functional capacity evaluation (FCE) as ILCS 5/4-112) firefighter, depending not only on what part of the examination. The firefighter the disability application provided but successfully challenged the FCE and Under this provision, the fire also what are the reasons the fire chief is passed, and the IME physician determined department or district is forced to return seeking discharge. that he was able to return to full duty a “recovered” firefighter to its payroll as a firefighter/paramedic without any and to duty. However, unless the IME Happy endings: when a firefighter restrictions. performed on behalf of the pension board recovers from disability Today the firefighter has successfully to terminate the disability benefit has and returns for “all the right reasons” re-entered active service and was able to been comprehensive, the fire department One of the cornerstones of good reintegrate into the fire department, due or district should send firefighters in these health and physical fitness is a good in large part to his nursing training which situations to a separate physical by the attitude, and this is readily apparently allowed him to continue his education occupational physician. Furthermore, in in the fire service. A firefighter who is in healthcare. More important, while addition to the medical fitness issues, committed to this profession can often on disability, the firefighter placed his the physical fitness issues will need to find a way to stay in this profession paramedic license on inactive status and be assessed, as well as the firefighter’s through hard work and positive thinking. reactivated it by retesting into the EMS capability to perform firefighting and Sometimes it also requires a physician system when he re-entered active service. potentially paramedic duties. who can “think outside the box” and finds He has also taken steps to begin recapture Fire chiefs may find themselves ways to restore function to what would creditable service under Section 4-108(c) sending these recovered firefighters to the otherwise be a career-ending situation for (7) of the Illinois Pension Code, which fire academy or patiently waiting for these a firefighter. allows a firefighter to purchase up to three individuals to retake paramedic classes Take, for example, the recent case of years of creditable service during the to secure previously lapsed paramedic a suburban firefighter who was granted a time he or she was receiving a disability licenses. Thus, while these situations line of duty disability in 2009, whose pension. (40 ILCS 5/4-108(c)(7)) mean a fire department or district will be back condition precluded him from burdened potentially with an employee performing his duties. A L5-S1 fusion Final thoughts on the journey on the payroll who cannot be placed in surgery in 2007 seemed to permanently While rare, not every disabled true “active service,” the fire chief in good end his career. After four years of annual firefighter should be written off as conscience cannot return an individual to IMEs which concluded that he continued unlikely to ever successfully return to active service who cannot perform the job to qualify for the disability benefit, the service. With the right attitude and proper duties, for whatever reason. firefighter (who had since become a treatment, there are scenarios where a Furthermore, as “recovered” firefighters nurse) finally became tired of the lower disabling impairment can be overcome are assessed for their suitability to re-enter back pain that was unretractable and the and a firefighter can successfully return. active service, fire chiefs must also be reliance on pain medication that was often However, as the pension fund board and cognizant of one more provision in Section debilitating. the fire protection district navigate this 4-112 of the Illinois Pension Code, which The firefighter underwent a radical journey, it is important to be cognizant of provides: lifestyle change. It began first with Eastern the statutory concerns and due process medicine techniques, which included rights of the disabled firefighter. These No physical or mental disability trigger point massage therapy. He started concerns should be properly balanced that constitutes, in whole or in working out with an Olympic trainer with the public policy of ensuring only part, the basis of an application who put him through weight training those individuals truly fit for service are for benefits under this Article may specifically focused on strengthening his returned to active duty. n

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Find Us On Facebook www.iafpd.org visit: www.global-pierce.comWinter 2015 Th e Fi r e Ca l l 27 Senate Joint Resolution Calls for Roadway Safety Task Force

by Gregory Scott, Director McLean County Area EMS System

very year there are public safety and killed by a drunk driver on Interstate while they perform their duties.” The responders that are being 55. There have been many sad situations Task Force was designed to have a wide injured and killed by “secondary similar to these where public safety representation of all disciplines that incidents.” According to the Traffic Incident responders are being critically injured function along the Illinois roadways. Management training program, across the or killed by “secondary incidents.” There SJR 0062 was adopted by the Senate Nation there are potentially 27 responders must be solutions that are found in order on May 23, 2014 and was sent to the responding to a new injury crash every to protect each and every responder so House. Unfortunately, SJR 0062 stalled minute of every hour of every day of they all return safely to their families at in the House but we have assurance that the year. This equals to over 14 million the end of the response. it will be reintroduced during the spring responders operating along roadways During the 98th General Assembly, 2015 session. every year across the Nation. This same Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 0062 was It will be of critical importance for all training program states that in a typical sponsored by Senator Chapin Rose, public safety responders and organizations year there are 12 law enforcement officers, Senator Jason A. Barickman and Senator to reach out to their elected officials in the 5 fire/rescue personnel, 60 towing/ Wm. Sam McCann as well as Representative General Assembly to make sure Springfield recovery professionals and many other Kathleen Willis and Representative Dan recognizes how important this matter transportation personnel struck and killed Brady. SJR 0062 called for the creation of is to all of those that work along the while working along the roadways. the Emergency Responder Roadway Safety roadways across the State of Illinois. These During 2013, Firefighter/EMT-I Chris Task Force. The intent of this task force Representatives and Senators need to hear Brown was struck and killed by a motorist would be, “…to identify and recommend how dangerous it is for each and every while working at the scene of a motor ways that the State of Illinois can increase person that must work incidents on the vehicle collision on Interstate 39 and K9 the safety of emergency responders Illinois roadways. n Police Officer Casey Kohlmeier was struck

EMS Recruitment Efforts Amid intensified demands on rural residents and changing community demo-graphics, communities statewide have seen a decline of roughly 10,800 licensed emergency medical service providers since 2012. That's nearly a 20 percent reduction in EMS response capabilities. That raises serious concerns about the speed of emergency response in more remote areas largely reliant on volunteer EMS/ambulance services. In many areas of rural Illinois, that could In an effort to bolster rural emergency posting. Ideally, we'd like to implement mean as much as a 30-minute wait for resources, state EMS interests with the a run of 15 boards along key arteries -- responders -- in the event of a farm Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network your support would help raise visibility accident or major medical emergency, (ICAHN) are ramping up EMS recruitment of an issue of acute importance to Illinois the potential difference between life efforts. communities. and death. Multiply that impact by the A roughly 10.5-foot-tall billboard on For more information, contact Martin state's estimated 900,000-plus annual a state highway costs $350 for four weeks Ross at 309-838-4148 or martinross15@ EMS runs. -- $150 per vinyl wrap sign and $200 for gmail.com.

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www.iafpd.org www.ottosenbritz.com Winter 2015 Th e Fi r e Ca l l 29 New Tool Hopes To Reduce Grain Bin Entrapment

By Phil Thornton Illinois Corn Marketing Board

Agricultural Rescue at IFSI Grain Bin Engulfment’s, Tractor Rollovers, Auger Entrapments, Livestock emergencies were does it end? The training that is necessary to meet the expectations of the public is an ongoing challenge for today’s fire service. One way that IFSI is working to meet those needs is to expand the Grain Bin Rescue program to the Awareness, Operations and Technician levels so that the training matches the level of the department. In awareness the students learn pre-planning and what can be done on the new app released today on iTunes and Google Play Stores will help outside of a grain bin. From that point the training rural elevators, fire departments and other emergency personnel expands to the operations and technician level to save lives. which includes entering the bin and removing the The Illinois Grain Rescue Tube Locator app uses a GPS system to locate patient. the nearest grain rescue tube to your location, a key component when Tractor rollovers remain the most common of Ag saving farm workers from drowning in grain filled storage bins. related fatalities. IFSI provides an Agriculture Rescue Illinois Corn Marketing Board, together with the Grain and Feed Techniques class that is a combination of classroom Association of Illinois, built this tool to try to save lives, and to help build and hands on dealing with tractor rollovers. A rollover awareness that grain bin entrapments and engulfments make agriculture prop is brought to the class and students learn about one of the most dangerous industries in Illinois. stabilization and lifting procedures that are different “IL Corn began building this app to try to fill a need for more lifesaving from the typical auto extrication. When possible a equipment,” said Lou Lamoreux, Illinois Corn Marketing Board Chairman. tour of an implement dealer is arranged and students “Every year, we see farmers getting into grain bins when we all know that can see the multiple types of equipment used in we shouldn’t and every year someone passes away because of this mistake. farming. As more and more first responders don’t This app will help ensure that a grain rescue tube can always be located come from the rural community it can be an eye nearby.” opening experience. All of these classes are available “We see this app as another tool in the toolbox if an unfortunate through the Cornerstone program at no cost to local situation occurs and someone is entrapped. By downloading the app ahead fire departments, at local fire departments. Check out of time and having it available, we can speed up the process to save a life,” IFSI’s web site or contact IFSI for more information. John Lee, Director of Safety, Health, Environmental Services Program, Grain and Feed Association of Illinois. Ag Rescue Training Fund There have been more than 900 grain-bin entrapments nationwide since The Illinois Fire Service Institute has established 1964, according to data compiled by Purdue University’s Agricultural Safety the Ag Rescue Training Fund to support the Ag and Health Program. Illinois had 10 grain entrapments in 2010 alone. Rescue Program. With support from individuals, “Grain entrapment deaths are a completely avoidable problem. IL Corn businesses and organizations, the Ag Rescue wants to force farmers to think before they step into a full bin, and to provide Program can be sustained and expanded to meet a means for quicker rescue if a bad situation occurs,” said Lamoreux. the growing needs from training in rural areas and The app currently maps the location of available grain safety tubes farming communities. Access to more training on in Illinois. IL Corn and Grain and Feed Association of Illinois urge other modern equipment and new information on farm states to consider investing in similar databases for hazard issues will assure that firefighters are better their state, potentially even using the already existing prepared. For more information on the Ag Rescue framework. Training Fund and how to become a Partner in this To quickly download the Illinois Grain Rescue Tube important training program contact Dennis Spice, Locator, use the QR code right. n Director of Corporate Relations at: 217-898-6507 or by email at: [email protected].

30 Th e Fi r e Ca l l Fall 2014 www.iafpd.org Grain Bin Rescue Tube Update by Kevin Schott, Senior Policy Advisor Office of the State Fire Marshal

After attending several meetings CFR 1910.146 must be adhered to, The Illinois On-Site Consultation with Firefighters around the State, there even though 1910.146(a) states “This Program, a division of Illinois OSHA can seems to be a lot of misinformation and section does not apply to agriculture, provide consultation services at no cost confusion in regards to deploying and to construction, or to shipyard to any district requesting assistance in utilizing the Grain Rescue Tubes that employment”. developing their policies and procedures. have been distributed throughout the • If responders will be entering the grain You may contact them at 800-972-4216 or State. Our office has hosted two meeting bin to utilize the rescue tubes, or for any through the website at http://osha.illinois. recently with Illinois OSHA (formerly reason they will be breaking the plane gov. known as the Illinois Department of of the confined space with any part For questions on Illinois OHSA Labor-SIED Division) and the Illinois Fire of their body, all authorized entrants, enforcement requirements you may Service Institute (IFSI) in an attempt to attendants and Entry Supervisors contact Tim Rienstra at 217-785-7056, clear up some of the confusion. MUST be trained in both Rope Rescue or [email protected]. The Illinois and Confined Space Rescue. Fire Service Institute can assist in training Here are some of the results of those • All responders need to be trained to do needs. You may contact Dave Newcomb, meetings. the job they are assigned to. Ag Rescue Program Manager at IFSI. 217- • Once a Fire Department is called to • Districts need to have written policies 333-3800. [email protected]. n respond to a grain bin rescue, it must and procedures addressing responses be handled as a Permit Required in this area. Confined Space. All aspects of 29

IAFPD Trustee’s Pocket Guide

The IAFPD Trustee’s Pocket Guide is a quick-reference booklet we prepared with the assistance of our attorney, Jim Sinclair, as an added benefit to our conference attendees and to encourage the leadership of Fire Protection Districts to members. The 20- page booklet answers common questions on routine tasks and contains the checklist of annual filing and financial reporting responsibilities, a top-20 list for OMA compliance, another list for FOIA compliance, the budget procedures and much more!

To request a free copy, contact Cheri Breneman at [email protected]. or call 800-524-6620

www.iafpd.org Winter 2015 Th e Fi r e Ca l l 31 IAFPD Files Amicus Brief Supporting Public Duty Rule In Illinois Supreme Court

By Michael Resis SmithAmundsen, LLC.

he IAFPD recently joined with protection districts) would face if the rule more difficult to recruit volunteers to the Northern Illinois Alliance of were abolished. Other justifications for provide emergency services, increasing Fire Protection Districts and the the rule include the danger that exposing the cost of operating departments and Illinois Fire Chiefs Association to appear local public entities to liability for failure requiring a significant reallocation of and file a joint amicus brief in the Illinois to protect everyone would discourage financial resources to the detriment Supreme Court in Coleman v. East Joliet government from passing such laws in of emergency services. Because fire Fire Protection District. There, a woman the first place and that exposure to liability protection districts must anticipate that the died of a pulmonary embolism due to an would make avoidance of liability rather number of claims made against them will unfortunate series of miscommunications than the promotion of the general welfare far exceed those brought against private and events after making a 911 call. Her the prime concern of municipal planners persons and entities, the IAFPD argues in estate filed suit against a number of and policy decision-makers. The rule the amicus brief that the public duty rule public entities and public employees for ensures that scarce public resources are reasonably allows public entities to budget her wrongful death. The trial court and allocated to achieve overall public good and defend damages claims arising out of the appellate court held that the public and not to further the interests of specific emergency medical and rescue services entities and public employees were not persons. The Illinois Supreme Court has and that the rule must be retained for the liable for her death. The appellate court created an exception to the public duty good of local communities as a whole. relied on the public duty rule to hold rule only in the limited circumstances A decision is not expected from that the defendants did not owe a duty where a public entity has assumed a special the Illinois Supreme Court until late this to provide adequate 911 dispatch and relationship to an individual and elevated year or early next year. The amicus brief emergency medical services. Further, that person’s standing to something more was prepared by Michael Resis who was according to the appellate court, the than just being a member of the public. engaged by the IAFPD, the NIAFFD, and so-called “special duty” exception to the In the joint amicus brief, the IAFPD the IFCA to represent the organizations in public duty rule did not apply because the argues that it is imperative for Illinois to writing and submitting the amicus brief on decedent was not under the defendants’ retain the public duty rule, as have most behalf of the organizations. Mr. Resis is an direct and immediate control at the time courts across the country. Elimination of appellate litigation specialist with the law of her death. In a closely watched case, the rule would not only put Illinois in a firm of SmithAmundsen, LLC. He received the Illinois Supreme Court has allowed small minority of jurisdictions, but also assistance in connection with preparation the plaintiff to appeal and challenge the leave fire protection districts of varying of the brief from IAFPD legal counsel James public duty rule. sizes and fiscal means, along with other S. Sinclair and attorneys James J. Roche and The public duty rule is a long-standing public entities, exposed to substantial Lance Sherry, counsel for the IFCA. The rule of the judiciary. The rule establishes financial liabilities for a variety of participation of the IAFPD in this appellate that public entities and their employees services not covered by a statutory case is part of the continuing efforts by owe no duty of care to individual immunity. Elimination of the rule would the Association to represent its member members of the general public to provide inevitably force changes in the kind, scope districts in important legal and legislative government services, such as police and and level of emergency services provided proceedings which seriously affect fire fire protection. The rule is based on the by many fire departments—making it protection districts. n common sense principle that the duty of government to preserve the well-being of the community is owed to the public at About the Author: Michael Resis is a founding partner and chairman of SmithAmundsen’s large rather than to specific members. The appellate department. During his career, he has handled more than 500 appeals. Mike rule recognizes the heavy financial burden has represented government, business, and professional organizations as amicus curiae and potentially open-ended liability that before the Illinois Supreme Court and the Illinois Appellate Court. local units of government (including fire

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by William R. Thomas Ottosen Britz Kelly Cooper Gilbert & DiNolfo, Ltd.

ith the approval of Governor provides numerous personnel licensing to the highest level of EMT licensure held Quinn on August 13, 2014, levels including Emergency Medical by any person staffing that ambulance. House Bill 4523 became law Technician (EMT), EMT-Intermediate However, providers may only advertise as Public Act 98-0880 and created an (EMT-I), Advanced Emergency Medical that level of care that the provider is able amendment to the Emergency Medical Technician (A-EMT), Paramedic (EMT-P) to offer 24 hours a day. The EMS System Services (EMS) Systems Act by allowing and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR). is required to perform routine quality rural emergency medical services to be Vehicle service providers under the Act assurance control on all in-field service upgraded to the highest EMT license of include ambulances—whether publicly level upgrades authorized under this any person staffing their ambulances, or privately owned--and specialized Section to ensure compliance with the including registered nurses. emergency services vehicles. EMS System plan. The original intent of the Illinois Many rural services continue to face After the adoption of Public Act 98- General Assembly in passing the EMS challenges with funding, lack of volunteers 0608, providers can seek IDPH approval Systems Act was to provide the State with and the increasing costs of operating an to authorize rural ambulance services a system for emergency medical services ambulance service. In 2012, the Illinois with EMT’s to function at the highest and create essential authority within the House convened a task force on EMS issues EMT level held by any person staffing the Illinois Department of Public Health to that issued a report detailing possible ambulance, be it Paramedic, Intermediate, coordinate and integrate all activities improvements in the provision of EMS Advanced, or Basic Life Support. With the concerning pre-hospital and inter-hospital services in the rural areas of the state. subsequent passage into law of Public emergency medical services including The report detailed these issues and the Act 98-0880, registered nurses can now non-emergency medical transports. This General Assembly has now begun to be certified to provide the highest level mission also included a comprehensive review legislation aimed at curing some of care during ambulance transports, planning, evaluation and regulation of of these concerns. effective January 1, 2015. Senate sponsor pre-hospital emergency medical services The General Assembly first adopted John M. Sullivan and numerous Illinois systems. Recent legislation has redefined Public Act 98-0608 (effective December House sponsors have indicated that with the classifications of scope of services 27, 2013) that defined a “rural ambulance the passage of this law, first responders in to include Advanced Life Support (ALS) service provider” as a licensed ambulance these rural settings will now be provided Services, Intermediate Life Support (ILS) service provider that serves a rural with more treatment options during pre- Services and Basic Life Support (BLS) population of 7,500 or fewer inhabitants. hospital care. n Services. (Public Act 98-0973, effective 210 ILCS 50/3.87. These rural ambulance August 15, 2014). The EMS Systems service providers were provided an Act further defines pre-hospital care as opportunity to submit a proposal to the medical services rendered to patients local EMS System Medical Director to for analytic, resuscitative, stabilizing or upgrade the in-field level of EMS services preventative purposes precedent to and during transportation of such patients to healthcare facilities. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has the authority to regulate About the Author: William R. Thomas is a partner with Ottosen Britz Kelly Cooper minimum standards for care and also the Gilbert & DiNolfo, Ltd. at the firm’s Elburn office. He received his J.D. degree from Valparaiso standards associated with professional University School of Law in 1991. Mr. Thomas focuses primarily on the general practice staffing and licensure. The EMS Act also of law.

34 Th e Fi r e Ca l l Winter 2015 www.iafpd.org 2015 EMS Summit

The Governor’s Rural Affairs Council (GRAC), chaired by former Lt. Governor Sheila Simon, was created in 1987 and re-launched in 2011 by Executive Order 11-04. The Council works to develop and implement strategies for improving delivery of services to rural Illinois and The 2014 Summit had 150 also share solutions and best practices to expand opportunities and enhance participants, representing over 30 EMS among them. Program highlights the quality of life for rural residents. The agencies, Lt. Governor's Office, IDPH and include interactive discussions on Mobile 2014 EMS Summit was created based on IL State Ambulance Association. The 2nd Integrated Healthcare, EMS Reimburse- recommendations of the GRAC’s Annual Annual event was a success in terms of ment issues and Education and Licensure Report which called for the formation of gathering statewide EMS stakeholders Issues. Congratulations to those involved several working groups to address these to learn and address current issues and with this successful meeting. n strategies. challenges facing IL EMS services, and

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www.iafpd.org Winter 2015 Th e Fi r e Ca l l 35 First Responder Safety

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36 Th e Fi r e Ca l l Winter 2015 www.iafpd.org Congratulations to the Barrington Countryside FPD for protecting new homes with ﬁ re sprinklers

Director of Fire Prevention Joe Buenrostro (far left) of the Barrington Countryside FPD, the Barrington Countryside FPD Board of Trustees and Fire Chief Jeffrey Swanson (far right)

To provide an improved minimum standard for the safety and protection of residents, Congratulations Fire Chief Jeffrey visitors and fi refi ghters in the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District, Fire Chief Swanson, Director of Fire Prevention Jeffrey Swanson and Director of Fire Prevention Joe Buenrostro worked closely with the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District Board to adopt the Joe Buenrostro and the Barrington International Building Code, adding provisions that follow the NFPA 13D standard for fi re Countryside Fire Protection District sprinklers in new single-family homes. Board of Trustees: All new single-family, commercial, multifamily and townhome occupancies must also be • Trustee, Paul Heinze protected by fi re sprinklers, regardless of their square footage. • Trustee, Thomas Rowan By having these life-saving systems in the code ammendments since 2014, Barrington Countryside FPD is one of almost 100 Illinois communities and fi re districts that follow • Trustee, Marvin Hill recommendations from FEMA’s American Burning report and the National Fallen Firefi ghters • Trustee, Dr. Thomas Long Foundation’s Firefi ghter Life Safety Initiatives. Congratulations for making fi re sprinklers the community’s major front-line defense • Trustee, Paul Struck against building fi res, thereby protecting residents and responding fi refi ghters to reduce deaths and injuries. The Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District should be proud of its commitment to providing fi re- and life-safety protection for the community now and into the future.

For more information go to:

United States Fire Administration ﬁ resprinklerinitiative.org usfa.fema.gov HomeLifeSafety.com iccsafe.org www.iafpd.org Winter 2015 Th e Fi r e Ca l l 37 ©2015, Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board. All rights reserved. A not-for-proﬁ t organization.

RB2475-NIFSAB-AD15-BarringtonCountrysideFPD_v6.indd 1 1/19/15 7:31 PM Mo v i n ’ o n Up Grayslake Fire Protection District

he Grayslake Fire Department’s history started on December 26, 1899 when Grayslake’s all volunteer firefighters were organized to provide firefighting services to the Village and the surrounding areas. By 1900, available firefighting equipment consisted of two hand pumpers. The first major fire experienced was a livery barn fire in 1902 where only hand pumpers were utilized. The first gasoline pumper arrived in 1905 and early volunteers were instrumental in the formation of the Lake County Fireman’s Association. The Department was housed in a fire station attached to the Village Hall, located on the same site that the current headquarters fire station is located. In 1978, the Grayslake Fire Protection District was formed as a special taxing body to provide fire suppression and emergency medical services to the residents and business owners. In 1979 from the Insurance Services Offices (ISO). linear miles of commercial freight and Fire Chief R. S. Rockenbach, was sworn Current services provided include fire passenger rail lines. Several high pressure in as the President of the International suppression and rescue, advanced life underground pipelines also transect the Association of Fire Chiefs. The District is support ambulance service and various fire protection area entering south of the located in northern Illinois, between the fire prevention activities. The Fire District district and exiting north carrying natural two large metropolitan cities of Chicago, responds to 3,700 emergency responses gas and other hazardous materials to Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The fire annually. their destinations. Located within the department is a combination department The Fire District is also home to a Fire District boundaries are several senior that currently employs 39 full time large community college with a current living communities that are home to more personnel and 28 part time personnel enrollment of 20,000 full and part time than 2500 senior citizens. More recently operating out of three fire stations. The students. The Fire District also protects the district welcomed the addition of Fire District protects 24 square miles and the Lake County Fairgrounds, which a free standing emergency care center, has a population of over 35,000 residents. draws more than 400,000 visitors annually. cutting edge cancer treatment center The current President of the Fire District Campbell Airport, FAA LID: C81, is a public and outpatient surgical suite all under was a founding Board member and a use airport in the Grayslake Fire Protection one roof. As a result of this expansion, recipient of the IAFPD Outstanding Trustee District that maintains two runways and there are numerous medical offices within Award in 2014. The Fire District currently usually 82 operations per day which also has a Class 3 rating for the entire District resides. The Fire District also has 8.52 Continued on page 39

38 Th e Fi r e Ca l l Winter 2015 www.iafpd.org Movin’ On Up The Fire District Daily shift staffing The Grayslake Fire Protection District Continued from page 38 includes: is an active participant in the Mutual • 1 Battalion Chief Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS). This its proximity with continued growth • 3 Advanced Life Support (ALS invaluable resource has allowed for the expected. Ambulances) implementation of uniform policies The Fire District is dispatched to • 2 ALS Engines and procedures such as accountability, emergency responses by a consolidated • 1 ALS Ladder Truck incident command, as well as providing dispatch center, FoxComm, which in This is complemented by an administrative for common radio frequencies among addition to Grayslake also serves two staff consisting of the Fire Chief, Deputy all participating departments. The Fire other fire districts and three police Chief, and Division Chief of Support District is also a member of the Lake departments. FoxComm operations Services/Safety, two Fire Inspectors, and McHenry Counties Specialized Response comply with all environmental and an Administrative Secretary. Current Fire Team and has members in every discipline dispatching standards for the National District Trustees include: which include hazardous materials, Fire Protection Association (NFPA), • President Lester Stang water rescue/recovery, sonar, wildland Associated Public Safety Communications • Treasurer Ellen Dimock firefighting, and technical rescue. Officers (APCO), Insurance Standards • Secretary Terry Toth The Fire District continues to experience Organization (ISO), National Emergency The Fire District also has received change and looks forward to additional Number Association (NENA) and National direction from another policy board, growth within its boundaries all while Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch the Board of Fire Commissioners which remembering its valued traditions that (NAEMD), Illinois Department of Public includes: have been in existence for over 115 years. Health (IDPH). • Chairman Karen Wojciechowski n • Secretary Bonnie Richtman • Commissioner Greg Koeppen TIME FOR A TUNE UP? We have the tools! • Crowd Pleaser Chief Bobby Halton, Returns as Opening Keynote • Fire District Trustee Training • Legislative Update • Leadership, Pension & EMS Topics also Presented • Interactive Tradeshow • Entertaining Social Events • Continued Education Credits IAFPD 72nd Annual Conference June 25-27, 2015 - Peoria Civic Center - Peoria, IL Discounted Room Rates at Area Hotels Marriott Pere Marquette – 309-637-6500 Staybridge Inn & Suites – 309-673-7829 Courtyard by Marriott – 309-686-1900 Visit www.iafpd.org for details!

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS: NON-EMERGENCY SERVICES: • Constructed a New Facility without • Fire Safety Education for children Bond Referendum K-2nd Grade (1,100 kids) • Station includes a Training Room • Senior Academy- Fire Prevention that could convert to a shelter for Displaced Residents. EMERGENCY SERVICES: • Fitness Center to promote healthy • Fire firefighters • MABAS • All members are trained in Ice • Water Rescue and Ice Rescue Can PUT OUT THE FIRE! FACILITY & APPARATUS: PERSONNEL: • 16,000 Sq. Ft. New Building Partner with the Billing, Collection • 32 Active Members (Paid on Call) • (10,000 SF Engine Bay + 6,000 SF • 12 Active Honorary Status Administrative) and Data Management Experts to experience

DISPATCH: EQUIPMENT: • 800 MGTZ System DISTRICT: • 1990 - 55’ Ladder Truck • Primary: Monroe County Sheriff’s • Waterloo Community Fire Protection • 2007 - 3,000 gal. Tender (Alexis) UNPARALELLED RESULTS! Dept. District • 2011 - Heavy Duty Recue (Alexis) • Secondary: Columbia Police Dept. • 1996 - Brush Truck Dispatch Center LOCATION: • 2001 - Pierce Pumper • Backup: Monroe County Emergency • 510 Illinois Ave. Waterloo, IL 62298 • 1993 - Ford Pumper Management Agency • 2006 - Personnel Hauler-F250 Pickup BOARD OF TRUSTEES: • Mark Brandt, President • Arnold Matzenbrahler, Vice Presi- dent • Lyle Wessel, Secretary • Ty Lindhorst, Treasurer • Kelly Foster, Trustee

FIRE CHIEF: • Brett Wiegand 888-777-4911 Please ask for SALES when calling us! DISTRICT BACKGROUND: • Formed in 19XX • Size: 110.2 sq. miles Visit us online at: • Day Population: Approx. 16,000 • Annual Calls: 170 www.lifequest-services.com

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888-777-4911 Please ask for SALES when calling us! Visit us online at: www.lifequest-services.com 44 Th e Fi r e Ca l l Winter 2015 www.iafpd.org Calendar and Checklist of Annual Responsibilities for Illinois Fire Protection Districts

(References are to Illinois2015 Compiled Statutes PERSON(S) DATE ITEM/EVENT DUE DATE [ILCS] except as noted.) RESPONSIBLE ACCOMPLISHED

1. Filing period for trustee nominating petitions for April 7, 2015 election (certify 12/15/14- Secretary to election authority [county clerk] by 1/29/15) 12/22/14 2. Last day to file petitions for referenda on questions of public policy (example: 1/5/15 annexation) (must be certified to election authority by 1/29/15)

3. Deadline to adopt resolution to place question on the ballot for the April 7, 1/20/15 2015 election (must be certified to election authority by 1/29/15) 4. File Certificate of exempt property with County Supervisor of Assessments for District owned real estate (35 ILCS 200/15-10) 1/31/2015 5. Post notice of regularly scheduled meetings of board, send copy to any news Jan. (or start media which have filed a request (5 ILCS 120/2.02) of fiscal year) 6. Perform semiannual review of all Minutes of Closed Sessions which have not January been opened to the public to determine if some or all of those minutes may be opened for inspection (5 ILCS 120/2.06) 7. Post report of injuries for prior year. (Title 56, Section 350.250 Ill. Adm. Code) 2/1/2015 8. File names of persons required to file Economic Interest Statements with 2/1/2015 County Clerk (5 ILCS 420/4A-106) 9. Submit names for appointment or reappointment of appointed trustees whose March terms expire in 2015 (70 ILCS 705/4) 10. Appointed trustee(s) to be reappointed by appointing authority (70 ILCS 705/4) 2nd Mon. April (Not applicable to elected boards.) (4/14/15) 11. File statements of Economic Interest with County Clerk (5 ILCS 420/4A-105) 5/1/2015 1st Mon. May 12. Newly appointed and reappointed trustees take office (70 ILCS 705/4) (5/4/2015) 13. Newly elected trustees take office 3rd Mon May (5/18/15) 14. Newly appointed and elected trustees must complete online Open Meetings Act training within 90 days of taking office (PA 97-0504/HB1670) 15. Reorganize Board of Trustees following appointment or election of trustee(s) 1st Meeting After Taking Office and elect officers (70 ILCS 705/6) Prior to 1st Monday 16. If applicable, appoint Fire Commissioner(s) (70 ILCS 705/16.02) in June 17. Prepare Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance (50 ILCS 330/1-330/5) First Quarter of Fiscal Year A. Gather data on actual expenditures and revenues for prior year B. Prepare Tentative Budget and Appropriation Ordinance C. Post Tentative Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for 30 days prior to adoption of final Budget and Appropriation Ordinance D. Publish notice of posting of Tentative Budget and of public hearing on Budget 30 Days prior to hearing E. Hold public hearing on Budget Complete by end of F. Adopt Final Budget and Appropriation Ordinance (include estimate of 1st Qtr of Fiscal Year revenues certification) (35 ILCS 200/18-50) www.iafpd.org Winter 2015 Th e Fi r e Ca l l 45 (References are to Illinois Compiled Statutes PERSON(S) DATE ITEM/EVENT [ILCS] except as noted.) DUE DATE RESPONSIBLE ACCOMPLISHED Within 30 days of G. Publish Budget and Appropriation Ordinance (70 ILCS 705/7) adoption H. File Budget and Appropriation Ordinance with County Clerk (35 ILCS Within 30 days of 205/162) adoption

18. Adopt Prevailing Wage Ordinance/Publish Notice of Determination/File with June Department of Labor (820 ILCS 130/1)

19. Perform semiannual review of all Minutes of Closed Sessions which have not July been opened to the public to determine if some or all of those minutes may be opened for inspection (5 ILCS 120/2.06) 20. Adopt Annual Tax Levy Ordinance (70 ILCS 705/14) A. Hold Truth in Tax Hearing if required/publish special notice (35 ILCS At least 7/not more than 200/18-55) 14 days before hearing B. Comply with Property Tax Limitation Law (Tax Caps), if applicable (35 ILCS 200/18-185) C. File Annual Tax Levy Ordinance/Certificate of Needs and Certification of Prior to last Tues in Truth in Tax compliance (35 ILCS 200/18-15) Dec. (12/29/2015) 21. Prepare annual Treasurer’s Statement of Receipts and Disbursements (30 Within 6 months of ILCS 15/1) end of fiscal year A. File with County Clerk B. Publish and file certificate of publication with County Clerk (or publish Notice of Audit Availability if CPA Audit is Performed) 22. Prepare annual report to Illinois Comptroller and file with Comptroller and on Within 6 months of paper with County Clerk (50 ILCS 310/1) end of fiscal year 23. File Annual Comptroller’s Report with County Clerk to satisfy Fiscal Within 6 months of Responsibility Report Card Act (35 ILCS 200/30-30) end of fiscal year 24. If required (over $850,000 annual revenues), have annual audit performed by Within 180 days of end of fiscal year Certified Public Accountant (50 ILCS 310/2) (70 ILCS 705/6.1) A. File with County Clerk B. File electronically with Illinois Comptroller C. Publish notice of availability of audit report in lieu of publication of statement of receipts and disbursements 25. Review all insurance coverages; verify limits; verify premises, vehicle and Prior to annual equipment coverage and amounts renewal date 26. Review tape recordings of all closed session of the Board of Trustees and Every 18 months dispose of 18 months after closed session minutes have been approved 27. Contact local school district regarding Safety Drills 9/1/2015

28. Verify annual review of and compliance with IDOL mandated policies, training, Annually & testing

29. Verify completion of annual training by both FOIA Officer and Open Meetings Annually Act designate

NOTE: The foregoing listing is intended to identify some of the legal requirements which fire protection districts are generally required to meet each year, however, it is not wholly inclusive and most fire protection districts will have additional requirements not listed above which they must meet. Districts should always consult with their legal counsel regarding such other requirements.

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www.iafpd.org Winter 2015 Th e Fi r e Ca l l 47 The list of fire departments receiving Small In Th e Ne w s Equipment Grants includes: County Fire Department Amount Adams Central Adams FPD $8,300.00 Alexander Thebes Volunteer FD $5,458.90 Bureau Manlius FPD $19,539.25 Champaign Pesotum FPD $17,985.74 Coles Ashmore FPD $2,050.00 Cook Bridgeview FD $23,995.00 Midlothian FD $10,655.00 Central Stickney FPD $25,000.00 Lynwood FD $7,134.00 DeKalb Sycamore FD $26,000.00 DeWitt Farmer City FPD $24,600.00 DuPage Clarendon Hills FD $18,000.00 Edgar Paris FD $20,000.00 Edwards Albion FD $18,690.00 Fulton Smithfield FPD $25,170.40 Hancock Carthage FD $25,621.00 Henry Kewanee FD $17,515.34 Members of the Illinois Fire Services Association gathered at IFSI in Osco Community FPD $25,225.00 Champaign for the 2014 Legislative Summit in October. The Summit allows the Iroquois Chebanse Twp Rural FPD $20,362.50 opportunity for all fire organizations to review legislative initiatives. All issues Jefferson Waltonville FPD $25,700.00 which gain support by all members of the IFSA can be submitted to the Illinois Jo Daviess Warren FD $18,657.00 Fire Caucus, a bi-partisan group of legislators who have formed a caucus to LaSalle Cedar Point FD $15,305.00 sponsor and support fire service bills through the General Assembly. The final Livingston Fairbury FD $10,356.00 report of the Summit is posted on the home page of www.IAFPD.org. Macoupin Carlinville FD $11,883.00 Madison Godfrey FPD $578.00 Maryville FD $25,995.00 Governor Quinn Announces Investments in Fire Olive FPD $24,753.00 Safety for 50 Illinois Communities Funding Will Help Alhambra Com FPD $14,280.00 Marshall Wenona FPD $25,000.00 Purchase Protective and Life Saving Equipment McHenry Richmond Township FPD $4,863.00 Montgomery Witt Volunteer FD $19,525.00 Governor Pat Quinn and Illinois State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis today Morgan Waverly Volunteer FD $23,521.00 announced a $945,845 investment to help 50 fire departments across the state purchase safety equipment, protective clothing, breathing apparatus and other Peoria Elmwood FD $25,480.00 tools for firefighters. These investments are supported by a small percentage Perry DuQuoin FD $26,000.00 of the sales of all fire insurance sold in Illinois. The announcement is part of Pike Griggsville FD $2,750.00 Governor Quinn’s agenda to ensure the safety of people in every community Spring Creek FPD $26,000.00 across Illinois. Pulaski Karnak FD $4,430.00 “Illinois firefighters deserve all the help they need to keep our residents Randolph Tilden FPD $16,750.00 safe,” Governor Quinn said. “Investments in our local departments will help make Rock Island Reynolds FPD $23,795.00 a difference in life and death situations in communities throughout Illinois.” Carbon Cliff-Barstow FPD $25,610.00 The Small Equipment Grant Program provides funds directly to Illinois fire St. Clair Mascoutah Volunteer FD $23,900.00 departments, fire protection districts or township fire departments to purchase Hollywood Hts Vol FPD $26,000.00 needed life saving and operational equipment. These departments are eligible Saline Stonefort FD $25,940.00 for grants up to $26,000. Sangamon Auburn FPD $22,875.00 “This grant program is a critical resource in these tight times for municipal Shelby Cowden FPD $26,000.00 budgets,” Illinois State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis said. “These funds help first Herrick FPD $25,575.00 responders obtain the right equipment and tools that meet current safety Tazewell Deer Creek FPD $16,975.00 standards.” Delavan FPD $25,480.00 The Fire Marshal’s office received 328 applications requesting more than $6.9 Wayne Orchardville FPD $24,150.00 million in funding this year. The Small Equipment Grant committee, comprised of members of the fire service, examined the applications in a blind review and Lamard Township FPD $24,206.04 recommended the $945,845 in available grant money to be awarded to 50 of the fire departments who submitted applications. TOTAL AWARDED $945,845.25

48 Th e Fi r e Ca l l Winter 2015 www.iafpd.org In Me m o r y

DANVERS - It’s with sadness we announce the WINFIELD - Daniel E. Keck (64), died on passing of Danvers Community Fire Protection December 10, 2014, at Central DuPage District Firefighter Noah Moore (32) after Hospital in Winfield, Illinois. He was born a yearlong battle with cancer. Noah passed March 23, 1950 in Greenville, PA. Keck was a November 12, 2014. He was a volunteer Fireman retired Lieutenant and EMT for the Winfield for Danvers Fire Department for the last four Fire Protection District where he served for years and made a huge impact while he was 30 years. He was an elected member of the there. He was also active on the Color Guard Winfield Fire Protection District Board of for the Department. Noah was a Senior Technician for Illinois Trustees where he served as Treasurer and also as Treasurer of Eye Bank for 5 years. He was an avid outdoorsman, especially the District’s Pension fund. He served on the executive board enjoying hunting, fishing and camping. In his younger years of DuComm. He was also the first President of the DuPage he received Eagle Scout status in Missouri and later served as Fire District Trustee Association. Dan was an active father and Troop leader for Boy Scout Troop # 27 in Danvers. coached many sports for his children, an Eagle Scout and served as the Cub Master at Pack 575 in Winfield. He worked WEST PEORIA - Robert “Bob” with SCARCE, Willowbrook Wildlife Haven Foundation and the Joseph Stecher, 63, of West Peoria Youth Ministries at Gary Church as an Auctioneer/Fund Raiser. passed away on Sunday, Jan. 11, He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Wheaton. 2015, at his home with his family by his side. Survived by wife of 42 years and his high school sweetheart, Carol Ann Bedell. The West Peoria Fire Department was an important part of Bob’s life. He joined the department in 1970, becoming an emergency medical technician and working his way up through the ranks. He was a firefighter, engineer, captain and assistant chief before becoming chief of the department in 1987. He became the longest serving chief in the history of the W.P.F.D., before retiring the position in 2012. That same year, he was granted Chief Emeritus status by the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association. He also began serving as a trustee for the West Peoria Fire Protection District, a position he held until his passing.

ORION - The trustees and members of the Orion Fire Protection District mourn the unexpected passing of their Board President Jerry E. Sheldon (57) who passed away on January 8th. 2015. Jerry joined the district as trustee in March of 1991 and served as President from May of 1993 until the present. Jerry will be sadly missed and often remembered for his many accomplishments while serving the District.

ST. JOSEPH – Rusty Chism, 50, of St. Joseph passed away Jan. 22, 2015 at Carle Foundation Judy Baar Topinka, served in the Illinois House Hospital, Urbana. Rusty was a division chief of Representatives, as a member of the Illinois with the Urbana Fire Department and also served as the chief of the St. Joseph-Stanton State Senate, Illinois State Treasurer and State Fire Protection District. He previously worked Comptroller. A true friend to the Illinois Fire as a paramedic and a flight medic for Carle. Service, her passion will be missed.

www.iafpd.org Winter 2015 Th e Fi r e Ca l l 49 Ad v e r t i s e r s In d e x Ca l e n d a r o f Ev e n t s

AEC ...... 36 NIAFPD Annual Conference February 5-8, 2015 - Lombard, IL Ai r On e Eq u ip m e n t , In c ...... 13, 33 Administration Training Session (ATS) Al e x i s Fi r e Eq u ip m e n t ...... Ou t s ide Ba c k Co v e r February 14, 2015 - Braidwood FPD

Am e r e n Il l i n o i s ...... 35 IAFPD Mini-Conference, ATS & Tradeshow

Bl i s s McKn i g h t ...... 9 February 20-21, 2015 Four Points Sheraton, Fairview Heights Br ea t h i n g Ai r Sy s t e m s ...... 4 Administration Training Session ESO In s u r a n c e Ag e n c y , In c ...... 21 March 7, 2015 - IFSI, Champaign

FGM Ar c h i t e c t s , In c ...... 40 Administration Training Session Fo s t e r Co a c h Sa l e s , In c ...... In s ide Fr o n t Co v e r March 21, 2015 - Cherry Valley FPD (Rockford)

Gl o ba l Em e r g e n c y Pr o d u c t s ...... Ce n t e r Illinois Fire Services Legislative Day March 25, 2015 - Springfield Ha s t i n g s Ai r En e r g y ...... 41

Il l i n o i s Pu b l i c Ri s k Fu n d ...... 5 IAFPD Quarterly Board Meeting April 11-12, 2015 - Springfield Life Qu e s t ...... 43 CFSI Annual Symposium NIFSAB ...... 37 April 15-16, 2015 - Washington, DC

Ot t o s e n Br i t z Ke l l y Co o pe r Gi l be r t & DiNo l f o , Lt d ...... 29 FDIC Pa r a m edi c Se r v i c e s o f Il l i n o i s ...... 23, 44 April 20-25, 2015 - Indianapolis, IN

Pu b l i c Safe t y Se r v i c e s , In c ...... 47 Fire & Life Safety Conference

Sa w y e r Fa l d u t o As s e t Ma n a g e m e n t ...... 31 April 29, 2015 - East Peoria

Se n t i n e l Em e r g e n c y Se r v i c e s , LLC ...... 24 Firefighter Medal of Honor Ceremony May 12, 2015 - Springfield VFIS ...... In s ide Ba c k Co v e r IFCA Annual Symposium Mark Your Calendar! May 27-29, 2015 - Peoria June 25-27, 2015 Holiday Closings - The IAFPD Office will be closed on Peoria Civic Center & Pere Marquette the dates noted below: Marriott Hotel - Peoria, IL Lincoln’s Birthday - February 12 President’s Day - February 16 Good Friday - April 3 Memorial Day - May 25

Detailed information about many of the events mentioned above can be found at www.iafpd.org. Or, for more information, contact the association office at: 800-524-6620

50 Th e Fi r e Ca l l Winter 2015 www.iafpd.org “First on the Scene... Still Responding.”®

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