Meeting New Challenges

Firefighters and other first responders face rapidly changing challenges in their work for the public. Today's firefighters must quickly adapt to new equipment, new technologies and other advancements in the science of fire fighting. They're also being called upon to deal with a host of unconventional hazards and rescue situations.

This new working environment demands intensive and continuous training. Dealing with acts of terrorism is a new frontier that requires instruction in many specialized techniques, including those for responding to collapsed buildings. Advancing automobile technologies have necessitated changes in the methods used to extricate victims from autos. Firefighters continue to be exposed to new hazardous materials that require special handling skills.

To prepare for all these responsibilities, firefighters need practical, hands-on instruction in settings that replicate real-life situations. Hands-on training is the signature of IFSI, and it's a commitment that requires extensive resources. We also have a critical need for conducting more research on the best ways to employ new technologies and protect first responders and the public.

Your help is critical

You can play an important role in delivering this essential training`. The Illinois Fire Service Institute has established special funds to allow Fire Service Alumni and other donors to provide unrestricted support that will help the Institute provide this innovative instruction and service.

The development of specialized courses and additional hands-on training facilities will require far more resources than are currently available. Training through the Institute has been traditionally supported by the Fire Prevention Fund, not with the University of Illinois general funds nor the state's General Revenue dollars. Other funding comes from student fees, grants and gifts. Our ability to respond to all of the new fire service challenges will depend on supporters like you.

Opportunities to Help:

	Online Donations Contribute an online donation to the IFSI Annual Fund or to the Scholarship Fund.
	Illinois Fire Service Institute Annual Fund The Fund is designed to provide discretionary monies for the Director to utilize to enhance training opportunities.
	Contributing to the Library Providing educational materials and resources to the IFSI library for disemmination across the state.
	Scholarship Program The Scholarship Program helps provide firefighters with monies to support their education.

Outreach Programs:

State Training Calendar This training calendar displays information about the training of different departments throughout the state. The training events on the calendar are linked directly to relevant materials in the IFSI library so that students and instructors may easily find additional resources about their training.

Other Information:

• Support Recognition
• Capital Development Goals
• FY 2007 Accomplishments
• Timeline