Illinois Corps Of Fire Chaplains, Inc (ICFC)

CSFF will be offering "An Internal Size-up" class

 

Download Fire Officer workshop Rolling Meadows 1.18.12 CSFF will be offering "An Internal Size-up" class for fire officers and those aspiring to be officers.  Please view the attached brochure for additional information.  If you have any questions then please contact me.  I will be in Philadelphia from 12/12-12/16 so I will contact you when I get a break if you have any questions.  Thank you. Jeff Dill Founder Counseling Services for Fire Fighters, LLC 1760 S. Eastwood Drive Woodstock, IL 60098 Office: 815-308-5082 Mobile: 847-209-8208 www.csff.info

2012 Division 12 Chaplain Training

Its HERE! Please see the attached (revised) schedule for 2012 chaplain training.  Thank you for your patience as we get everything in place.  Hope to see you there.

Download 2012chaplaintraining[1]

Tuesday PM meeting  7-9pm        Thursday AM Meeting  9-11:30am   

 Jan 10 Case Reviews/Updates    Jan 12 Case Reviews/Updates      
Group Discussion  CSFD #3

 **February 21-22       LODD/Funeral Protocols Training       PEORIA, IL

March 6 Chiefs/Chaplains-Making it Work    March 8 Chiefs/Chaplains                               
Panel  Presentation       CSFD #3

**April 12 (tentative)    Fireground Basics\ Live Burn  
Carol Stream (CSFD) Burn Tower (9 am-12 noon)

 Apr 10  May 8  Ethics in FD Chaplaincy    May 10 Ethics in FD Chaplaincy   
Chap. Schalk    CSFD #3

**Jun 21-23      Chaplains Conference at IAFPD Conference in PEORIA, IL
Includes annual meeting and Vendor Booth

 **July 12-13      CISM “Grief Following Trauma”    
Major David Dalberg (Salvation Army)                                                      
CSFD #1      2 day Seminar from 8am–4pm  

Aug 7  Heat Stress/Health Concerns    Aug 9 Heat Stress/Health Concerns  
Chief Haigh CSFD #3

Sep 11  Chaplain Tool Kit                Sep 13 Chaplain Tool Kit      
PANEL    CSFD #3

 **Oct 5-6   (Corrected Date) IFSA/IFA Down and Dirty Conference
Fireground Operations Class and Drill
Champaign/Urbana  Chief Nardoni and Chaplain Hernandez

Nov 6  Spirituality of Trauma              Nov 8 Spirituality of Trauma       
Chaplain Swanson    CSFD #3

 _____________________________________________________________________________

Regular Division 12 Trainings will be on Tuesday evening (7-9:30 pm)
and Thursday morning (9-11:30 am) unless otherwise noted.

MABAS Division 12 Chaplain Training Headquarters is located at
Carol Stream Fire Protection District (CSFD)  Station #3, 1045 W. Lies Road, Carol Stream, IL 60188

CISM courses and live burn are held at
Carol Stream Fire Protection District Station (CSFD) #1, 365 Kuhn Road, Carol Stream, IL 60133

All trainings are open to all chaplains and fire personnel.  Please RSVP to Ray Gurunian at Guru4x@aol.com to help us to plan for meetings.  RSVP’s are required for the March 8 Live Burn and July 13-14 CISM training. Separate registration will be available online for all conferences.  Go to www.ilfirechaplains.org.

 

 

Wear your Seatbelt! Stay Alive - Watch this Video

From: the Illinois Firefighter Life Safety Task Force
To: You and your family 

Have the COURAGE to be Safe!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6w4mNbXdjE

NFFF Everyone Goes Home ONLINE Training

http://www.ctbsinstructors.com/onlineCTBS_OPEN.htm

Now You Can Participate in a valid online Courage to Be Safe® training program! » Register Today: Courage to Be Safe® Online

To qualify for a Courage to Be Safe® certificate of completion you will be required to: • Register by providing a username, name, and state. • Complete the online Courage to Be Safe® program. • Complete the required paper for evaluation. • Answer any questions your program mentor may ask. • Participate in a short evaluation at the end of the program. » Register for Online Courage to Be Safe® Training

IAFPD "Fire Call" Chaplain Article

Our good friends at the Illinois Association of Fire Chaplains (IAFPD) have been very kind to us and published this article on the ICFC MABAS Chaplain Program this summer. 

We look forward to joining with them at their June 9-12, 2011 Conference in Peoria, IL where we will host training for our chaplains and offer curriculum for the general conference as well.  More information will be coming soon.  Mark the dates so that you can come too!

Article: Download Chaplainarticle.fircall.2010

IAFPD conference website: http://www.iafpd.org/Annual_Conference.html

American Red Cross Bereavement Practices Guide

Many thanks to Chaplain Bruce Borror (Ohio) for passing this along.  It describes grieving and funeral rituals for many faith groups in a direct and respectful way.  A must-have document for today's Fire Chaplain.

Download ARC_bereavement_practices[1]

Bruce Borror, Chaplain WTFD/OFFC
"Serving Those Who Serve"
www.ohioffc.org
www.wtwp.com
614-562-6222

Everyone Goes Home 5 Minute Safety Drills

http://www.everyonegoeshome.com/resources/take5/

The Take-5 Safety Drills were developed by WHA Insurance based on safety research and accident data. Each topic has an instructor's sheet as well as a student handout.

The material may be used as part of a training session to encourage discussion or the handouts can be posted for individual review and consideration.

If you have any comments or suggestions please email info@everyonegoeshome.com

A Chief's Perspective on The Worcester Fire

The excerpt below is from the most recent email update (12/1/09) from  TheSecretList@FirefighterCloseCalls.com

December 3rd marks the 10 year anniversary of a major fire and tragic LODD that will be remembered for decades to come.  The excerpt below and article linked at the end should be required reading for every Fire Chaplain seeking to gain a better understanding of those we serve and to appreciate the valiant history of the fire service. 

May God surround and protect all who still feel the pain of that day.
Peace,

Jennie

 

 

The Worcester Fire Department responded at 1813 hours that night to Box Alarm 1438 for a fire at 266 Franklin Street.(NOTE: 266 Franklin Street is now the the address and location of WFD's E-6, E-12, L-1, R-1 and Scuba-1 quarters)

 

2 members of rescue 1, Firefighter Paul Brotherton and Firefighter Jerry Lucey, entered the building searching for occupants. Fire conditions worsened in the building at a rapid and unexpected rate. FF's Brotherton and Lucey, on the fifth floor, became disoriented in the smoke-filled building. Lost, and running low on air, they called for help. Several crews began searching for the lost Firefighters. Two crews reaching the fifth floor also found themselves disoriented in the smoke and trapped by the maze of interior walls: Lieutenant Tom Spencer and Firefighter Tim Jackson from Ladder 2, and Firefighter Jay Lyons and Firefighter Joe McGuirk from Engine 3 were now trapped. Though many more highly heroic fire fighters attempted to locate their missing brothers, their efforts proved futile.

 

Be sure to read the link below, entitled "A Chiefs Perspective" about WFD District (Ret) Chief Mike McNamee, who made the beyond difficult decision to end search operations for the missing members-and saved more lives by doing so.

The Line of Duty Deaths of Worcester Firefighters Paul A. Brotherton, Timothy P. Jackson, Jeremiah M. Lucey, James F. "Jay" Lyons III, Joseph T. McGuirk, and Lt. Thomas E. Spencer devastated Worcester, the Fire service, the nation and the world. Their Line of Duty deaths marked the worst loss of Firefighters' lives in more than 20 years in a building fire in America, and the third worst fire in Massachusetts' history.

http://www.telegram.com/article/20091129/NEWS/911290432/1052

Everyone Goes Home Courage to be Safe Program

The Illinois Task Force on Firefighter Life Safety
presents Everyone Goes Home - Train the Trainer

Firefighters must have the courage to face a multitude of risks in order to save
lives and protect their communities. Their courage allows them to willingly risk
their own lives so that others can be saved. A different type of courage is
required to stay safe in potentially dangerous situations, avoiding needless risks
and tragic consequences. This provocative and moving presentation is
designed to change the culture of accepting the loss of firefighters as a normal
occurrence. Building on the untold story of LODD survivors, it reveals how family
members must live with the consequences of a firefighter death and provides a
focus on the need for firefighters and officers to change fundamental attitudes
and behaviors in order to prevent line of duty deaths. The central theme
promotes the courage to do the right thing in order to protect yourself and other
firefighters and ensure that "Everyone Goes Home" at the end of the day.

 
This program is a must see for all who care, share, and have a
feeling for the safety of all firefighters!

When: Saturday, November 21, 2009 (Black Shift)
Where: Palatine Rural Fire Protection District
35 North Ela Road
Inverness, IL 60067
Time: 9:00 am to 2:00pm

Cost: Paid for by National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Registration Below

Download Everyone Goes Home - Train the Trainer-1

Yes, it is a family.

Staying in touch with the larger fire service community is critical to understanding the lives, fears and celebrations of those we serve. Here are a few websites to keep you in the loop. 

http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/

http://buffalosbravest.com/index.htm

http://www.firehero.org/

Consider signing up for updates to keep up with important information, events and incidents.

Illinois Fire Service Institute

Looking for fire service related classes in your county?
IFSI offers many classes at virtual campuses around the state of Illinois.

Mission
Helping Firefighters do their Work through Training, Education, Information and Research 

Click below to find courses near you

http://www.fsi.illinois.edu/content/courses/schedule/map.cfm

Fire Engineering Article on Chaplains

Here is the link to the recently published Fire Engineering Article presenting the Illinois MABAS Fire Chaplain Program.  Enjoy!

http://www.fireengineering.com/display_article/367524/25/none/none/Feat/Fire-Chaplains-Integral-Part-of-Response-Team

Incident Reports and Chaplain Duties

Sometimes I here of new chaplains asking how they can help their departments know 'what to do with them'.  We have recently begun sharing incident reports at each of our Division 12 Chaplain Committee monthly trainings.  Here are examples of two such reports from Chatham, IL in Division 48.  Thank you to Dave Volkert for providing a snapshot of what he sometimes does on scene for his department.

Chaplain experience, training, roles and procedures vary from department to department.  Your Fire Chief will decide what is needed in your municipality, but knowing what others do may be of help and encouragement. Dave was a firefighter for a number of years before becoming a chaplain and brings a wealth of experience to his job and these reports come in his own words.

Incident #1
The Fire Department was paged out to a structure fire,  The first engine arriving on scene found flames coming from the roof of a tri-level home.  I arrived on scene, located the homeowner and verified that all family members and pets were accounted for and that no one was still in the house.  I also gathered vital information and location of items, chemicals, etc. that could possibly harm the firefighters. 
After the basic information was taken, the Fire Chief assigned me to keep track of all firefighters on the accountability clipboard, from various districts, and account for their positions at all times.

Incident #2
the department was paged out on a 10-7 structure fire of a two story home 8 miles outside the city limits.  The home was totally engulfed.  The fire glow could be seen 5 miles from the site.

Upon arriving, I located the owner. While talking with him I found out that over 50 years worth of newspapers and books were stacked throughout the house. Realizing this would pose a danger to the firefighters, I immediately informed the Fire Chief of the situation. He then relayed the information to the firefighters about this dangerous threat that could even cause the collapse of the second story.

Summary:
In Chatham the Fire Chaplain carries many different duties. The Fire Chief and Firefighters must concentrate on the structure. The Fire Chaplain then steps in to gather information and to be the eyes and ears of the surroundings. The important role of the Fire Chaplain can aid in making the scene safe for the firefighters. Below are some of the duties the chaplain may be asked to perform in Chatham.

1. Collecting general information for the owner.
2. Distribute After The Fire pamphlets to the home owners on what they need to do in the first 24 hours following the fire.
3. Gather insurance information.
4. Call for assistance from local organizations such as Red Cross who bring food and water to the scene for the firefighters.
5. Distribute water as firefighters come out of the structure.
6. Be available to get equipment as the Fire Chief requests it.
7. Help check all firefighter's conditions.
8. Fill out reports for the Fire Chief.

Copies of Chatham's incident report forms are listed here
http://www.ilfirechaplains.org/sample-policy-listings.html

National Fire Academy VIP Program

The Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) is an intensive 6-day educational opportunity designed specifically for volunteer and combination department emergency services personnel.
For complete information go to
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/resident/vip/index.shtm

Since 1980, the National Fire Academy (NFA) has offered 2-week courses year round on its Emmitsburg, Maryland, campus; these courses are considered the best available anywhere. The problem was that most volunteers couldn't take 2 weeks off to attend these courses.

With VIP, that has all changed!

The NFA has compressed course work into 6 days, or has devised new courses and tailored them to the special needs of volunteers, still maintaining content, quality, and integrity. VIP course, offered during a "VIP Week" four times per fiscal year also have recommended college accreditation through the American Council on Education (ACE).

Student have the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas and information with colleagues from across the country in an informal setting outside the classroom. This program, along with the other resources of the National Fire Academy, ensures a successful learning experience while keeping the time commitment to a minimum.

The VIP curriculum consists of the following courses:

• Command and Control of Fire Department Operations at Target Hazards (R825)
• Challenges for Local Training Officers (CLTO) (R815)
• Command and Control of Incident Operations (CCIO)(formerly Fire Command Operations) (R831)
• Community Education Leadership (CEL) (R816)
• Fire Cause Determination for Company Officers (FCDCO) (R811)
• Leadership and Administration (LA) (R810)
• Advanced Safety Operations and Management (ASOM) (R822)
• Leading Community Fire Prevention (R823)
• Management Strategies for Success (R824)
• Presenting Effective Public Education Programs (R826)

Firefighter Fatalities Email Notifications

https://service.govdelivery.com/service/subscribe.html?code=USDHSFA_17

The link above enables you to receive an email from the United States Fire Administration when there has been a firefighter fatality.  It is necessary for us as chaplains to be aware of the needs of our personnel and significant events that occur nationally. 
 
You can also learn more about types of these events at any of these websites:

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/

http://www.firehero.org

http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/secret.php

Please make sure that you stay informed about line of duty deaths that occur and other safety issues that are of great importance in the fire service. Be safe.