Office of the State Fire Marshal March 2017

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In this Issue

From the Director page 2 Employee Spotlight page 3 L.O.D.D. Mike Cummins page 4 Employees Making a Difference page 5 Public School Inspection Class Schedule page 6 Antique Emergency Vehicles page 6 Kids’ Corner page 7 Tornado Safety Information page 8

On the Cover: Fire Prevention Inspector II Dennis

Padgett checks propane tanks located on the Illinois State fairgrounds during a recent horse show.

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From the State Fire Marshal Matt Perez Having spent 28 years active in the fire service I learned there were two things that separated good firefighters from great firefighters, proficiency and humility. These two qualities work hand in hand to make sure that you not only develop the requisite skills to do your job, but also that you are under a constant self-assessment to find areas to improve. This endless cycle of evaluating, planning, implementing, and reevaluating takes place at both the individual and department levels in order to meet the demands of the ever changing challenges we face. I firmly believe Illinois is blessed with a fire service that has evolved to meet these challenges and lives up to the trust the public places in them.

One measure of a fire department’s ability to meet the needs of the residents they serve is an evaluation by the Insurance Services Organization (ISO). ISO is an organization that collects statistical data,

provides rating information, develops standard policy forms, and files information with state regulators on behalf of insurance companies around the country. Fire departments are ranked 1-10, with one (1) being the highest ranking.

It is with great pride that I can report that during ISO’s most recently conducted evaluations of the Arlington Heights Fire Department, the Bloomingdale Fire Protection District, the Champaign Fire Department, the Chicago Fire Department, the Downers Grove Fire Department, the Hillside Fire Department, the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District, the Mokena Fire Protection District, the Skokie Fire Department, the St. Charles Fire Department, and the Westmont Fire Department, each was granted a Class 1 rating. Only a small fraction of more than 47,000 fire departments in the United States achieve this elite standard. I congratulate Arlington Heights Chief Koeppen, Bloomingdale Chief Janus, Champaign Chief Ludwig, Chicago Commissioner Santiago, Downers Grove Chief Jackson, Hillside Chief Pilz, Lisle-Woodridge Chief Krestan, Mokena Chief Stephens, Skokie Chief Walters, St. Charles Chief Schelstreet, and Westmont Chief Weiss for raising their departments to this level of proficiency. They are examples of what is achievable when departments are pushed to run at peak efficiency and they raise the bar for the entire Illinois fire service.

The OSFM looks forward to assisting all of our Illinois fire departments in acquiring the vehicles, equipment, tools, training, and certifications needed to be at their best and I thank all the firefighters for their dedication to remain the best in the country.

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OSFM Employee Spotlight – Legislative Liaison George Korda In 2009, George Korda became the Legislative Liaison at the OSFM. George serves as the connection between the General Assembly, Governor’s office, and the OSFM. His primary duties involve introducing, coordinating, and monitoring bills and rules which directly affect the agency. He also serves as a resource to elected officials, trade groups, fire service organizations, and citizens on topics of fire safety, public education, and constituent affairs. George Korda grew up on the east side of Chicago, an ethnically diverse area. After high school, George attended SIU in Carbondale and studied Forestry and Agriculture. He returned to Chicago and received his Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning in 1976 from Chicago State University, with a minor in Psychology and Sociology. In 1977, George graduated from the Chicago Fire Academy and was assigned to Engine 46, which was

located on the far southeast side of Chicago. Over the next several years he worked at the Fire Prevention Bureau-Central Division in Chicago as an inspector of high rise buildings and new construction. He rose through the ranks and ultimately became a Battalion Chief of Chicago. He was also elected as the Director of the Political Action Firefighter Union Local 2 for two terms, and Pension Board Trustee, serving 3 terms as the Investment Committee Chairman. George retired in 2008 after 35 years of dedicated service. Upon his retirement, George moved and bought a fixer-upper home in Eleuthera, Bahamas. After refurbishing his retirement home, he received a call from State Fire Marshal, Larry Matkaitis who offered George a position with the OSFM as the legislative liaison. “Political Affairs has always been a passion of mine, and the transition was very easy because of my prior work with the Political Action. I enjoy the wonderful people I work with every day in this job.” George is very thankful for his peers, mentors, agency managers, and of course, his directors past and present. “I continually learn every day in my job, which excites me. The OSFM is a regulatory agency, and I am responsible for the laws and acts of our agency and serve as a guardian of these acts. I watch closely and feel responsible to update, protect, and teach others about why these acts are important for the safety of the 13 million citizens of the State of Illinois and the members of the Fire Service. The legislative process is about making relationships, and for me, it is a very rewarding job.” George is a Mason, Shriner, and a Chicago Firefighters Gold Card Union Member, Local 2. He serves as a Trustee at a half-way house for drug and alcohol addicts in Blue Island, Illinois. George’s hobbies include golfing, hiking, camping, reading history, laying on the beach, and enjoying the ocean. His biggest accomplishment are his children and he treasures spending time with them. State Fire Marshal Perez says, “George has been invaluable to me since the first days of being appointed. The relationships and trust he has built within the capitol, the fire service and the general public allows our agency to simultaneously meet all their needs.” Legislative Liaison George Korda. George.Korda@illinois.gov

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L.O.D.D. Mike Cummins - End of Watch 2/8/2017

HOMER – Mike Cummins, 46, of Homer passed away at 1:52 a.m. Wednesday (Feb. 8, 2017) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. He was returning from a fire call when he suffered a medical emergency. Mike was born Sept. 15, 1970, in Danville, the son of John Victor Cummins and Cynthia Dudley DeGroat. He married Cynthia Rund on June 21, 2003, in Hindsboro. She survives. Survivors also include his father and stepmother, John and Marlene Cummins of Portage, Ind.; daughter, Angela (Derrick) Hall of Decatur; son, Jacob (Melissa) Sanders of Tuscola; daughter, Brittany (Macon) Warfel of Villa Grove; daughter, Lindsay (Austin) Troha of Crystal Lake; sister, Molly (Ancil) Bailey Carter of Louisville, Ky.; and grandchildren, Brayden Michael,

Dekota Jo, Jared Carter, Jaxton Lane, Caiden Andrew, Makynze Isybel, Maddox Seeley and Gideon Joseph. He was preceded in death by his mother and one brother. Mike was a volunteer firefighter for 31 years, and served for the last two and a half years for the Homer Fire Protection District. He was also a truck driver for Crop Productions Services in Sidney. He enjoyed fishing with his grandkids and spending time with family. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. Memorials can be made to Homer Fire Department. Governor Bruce Rauner also issued a Flag-Lowering Order in honor and remembrance of Firefighter John Michael “Mike” Cummins. All persons and entities governed by the Illinois Flag Act were ordered to fly flags at half-staff from sunrise on February 11, 2017 to sunset on February 13, 2017.

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OSFM Employees Making a Difference FOIA Clerk Cheryle Kaufman An executive from an environmental company recently stated, “I just want to say thank you for all your effort you put in to your work and responding to the FOIA requests. It is always a pleasure to work with you and you have always been timely with your responses and I hope others appreciate you as we do!” Elevator Safety Division Manager Robert Capuani A hospital executive recently wrote to the Fire Marshal and said, “I just wanted you to be aware that Mr. Robert Capuani was VERY helpful in assisting us with an elevator issue that we have been trying to clear up since July of 2016. He took the time to understand our hospitals issues and explained professionally what I need to do and how I needed to do it. My hospital will be forever grateful to Mr. Capuani in resolving the 7 LONG month issue.” Fire Prevention Inspector II Terry Brown A DCFS representative recently wrote about Inspector Brown, “...Terry has made my position as a Day Care Licensing Representative much easier by conducting inspections in such an expedient manner. I really appreciate all of his efforts as well as the other inspectors. Just a short note to say well done!” Boiler & Pressure Vessel Safety Administrative Assistant Rosa Sanchez A company executive recently wrote to the Fire Marshal and said, “I just wanted to call out to you how professional and easy to work with Rosa is. She is, by far, the most professional and helpful person I have ever talked with at any state office. She quickly helped with the issue I called about and then provided additional information to help us remain compliant in the future. Her response was very prompt and much appreciated. This is truly a rare experience nowadays!” Fire Service Outreach Manager Greg Hay On February 17th and 18th, Greg Hay represented OSFM at the Illinois Association of Fire Protection District (IAFPD) Southern Illinois Mini-Conference. Greg was thanked and praised for his participation as a speaker and an exhibitor at the event. This 2-day conference brings together 145 attendees representing fire protection district and 14 supportive associate members.

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Upcoming Free Public School Inspection Classes Thursday, May 4 at 8:30 am – Lake Forest, IL (Lake County) Lake Forest Fire Station #2 1111 South Telegraph Road Lake Forest, IL 60045 Note: Parking is allowed in the general parking lot immediately north of the station. Monday, June 5 at 1:30pm – Springfield, IL (Sangamon County) OSFM Office Building 1035 Stevenson Drive Springfield, IL http://www.sfm.illinois.gov/Commercial/Fire-Prevention-and-Building-Safety/School-Inspection-Program

WANTED Antique Fire or Emergency Vehicles for Antique Car Show & Swap Meet

Springfield, IL. The Secretary of State is hoping to have more antique emergency vehicles for their upcoming show on Saturday, September 9, 2017. The car show is held rain or shine at Second Street and Capitol Avenue in Springfield, IL. A temporary license plate can be ordered now for any vehicle that can be displayed from July 9th until September 9th, 2017. The Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Show and Swap Meet is sponsored by the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation. For more information about the show and to acquire a temporary plate: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/services/vehicle_show/home.html

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Kids’ Corner History of Firefighters-Fun Facts A Hairy Situation In the 1800s, firefighters would fight fires with little protection. They inhaled a lot of smoke. The smoke was poisonous. They made inhaling the smoke look easy. They earned the nickname, “Smoke Eaters.” Smoke eaters found a way to breathe easier. They took their long beards and dipped them in water. Then they tucked their beards into their mouths. They used the wet beards as filters. Firefighters wouldn’t think of breathing through their beards these days. Today they have a clean source of air when they fight a fire. They wear a device called a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). It had three main parts. There is an air tank, an air pressure gauge and a face mask. If a firefighter is in trouble and not moving, the SCBA can help. An alarm will sound. Other firefighters can find their way to the alarm to help. Every firefighter has a SCBA mask. In the future, SCBA will be easier to use. A hose from an air tank will attach to the helmet. It will be lighter and easier for the firefighter to carry. The mask will include a special camera. The camera will help firefighters see through smoke. SCBA is one of the most important tools for firefighters. It helps to keep them safer.

Man, Woman, and Horsepower Very early “fire engines” were water pumps on wheels. Men dragged these cart-like fire engines to the fire. Firefighters attached the hose to the hydrant. They would pump water through the hose. They would spray water on the fire. In 1818, Molly Williams, a slave, joined in and dragged

an engine to a fire to a fire. She became the first female firefighter. Fire Engines grew larger and heavier. Horses replaced people as cart draggers. Horses could gallop to the fire much more quickly. With a quick harness, a fire horse could be ready to go in less than one minute. The modern-day fire truck gets firefighters to the fire quickly. They can travel up to 68 miles an hour. Getting to the fire is much safer than it used to be. Firefighters no longer ride on the back of the truck. They ride inside. They are strapped in seats using safety belts. Modern fire trucks have a recorder. It is there to make sure the truck is being driven safely. It records the truck speed. It also records whether or not safety belts are used. In the future, firefighters will get help from hi-tech tools. Drones will be important. Drones can fly. They can take pictures in the dark and in thick smoke. They can go to places unsafe for firefighters. They can move and see through the smoke with a special camera. Robots will use gear designed for people like cutting tools and a fire hose. Robots will climb stairs while drones will fly up them. These hi-tech drones and robots will help keep firefighters safer.

Great Bells of Fire Firefighting has always been noisy. Patrols used to carry wooden rattles. Firefighters clanged bells. They rang church bells. The sound warned people about fires. Fire chiefs used trumpets at the fire. They shouted orders with them. Now, fires are reported using 9-1-1. This is the emergency number. Calls go to a dispatcher. The dispatcher gets information about the fire. The closest fire truck is sent to the fire. Rattles and bells don’t tell us about fire anymore. Now we hear the siren of the fire truck. We see the flashing lights on the truck. Cars must move over to the side of the road to let fire trucks get to a fire quickly. ©NFPA 2016

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Tornadoes-Safety Information March through June is considered Tornado Season. Are you ready? Every state has some risk of experiencing a tornado, but that risk is increased in the Midwest. The damage from severe thunderstorms and tornados can kill people and destroy everything in their path. The rotating funnel-shaped cloud can have whirling winds up to 300 miles per hour. Here are a few precautions you should take before, during, and after the storm. Before •Stay informed, listen to a NOAA weather radio to check local forecasts and news reports. •Keep a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio along with extra batteries. •Determine in advance where you will take shelter during a tornado. Basement and storm shelters are the best. If no underground shelter exists, choose an interior room or hallway on the lowest possible floor. •Look for the following danger signs: dark, often greenish sky; large hail; a large, dark, low-lying cloud that may be rotating; and a loud roar similar to a freight train. •If local authorities issue a tornado watch, remain alert for approaching storms, watch the sky, and stay tuned to local radio or television. •If local authorities issue a tornado warning, take shelter immediately, During •If you are in a building, go to a predesigned shelter area, such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level. Stay away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Layers of clothes, even a mattress, can be pulled over your head to protect you from flying debris. Do not open windows. •If you are in a vehicle, trailer, or mobile home, get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a nearby structure or building. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. •If you are outside with no shelter, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Watch out for flying debris, which is the cause of most fatalities and injuries during tornadoes. •Never try to outrun a tornado in an urban or congested area in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safer shelter. After •Stay out of damaged buildings. •Stay clear of downed power lines. •Help injured or trapped people. •Check on others who may require assistance, such as older adults, children, and people with disabilities. Information provided by NFPA, to learn more, please visit: www.nfpa.org/disaster.