110th Annual IFA Conference Review

Friday October 20th began the opening session of the annual IFA conference. Chief John Buckman of the German Township Fire Department and Vice President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) was the keynote speaker at this year's conference. Chief Buckman's address was "Critical Issues Facing the Volunteer Fire Service". In his address Chief Buckman discussed current legislation that could impact the volunteer fire service. Chief Buckman went on to discuss the need for change in the fire service and how it's up to each and everyone one of us to take action and facilitate change.

At the conclusion of Chief Buckman's address the Honorable Dan Williams, Deputy State Fire Marshal provided those assembled with an update of current issues in the State Fire Marshals Office. Dan Williams talked about programs being offered, and future changes being made.

Immediately following Dan Williams, Dave Clark from the Uof I Fire Service Institute gave a training update on program and course offerings through FSI. For a detailed list of what's new at FSI check out our hot link to FSI's site.

Friday afternoon the State Fire Marshals Office debuted the new National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) version 5.0. Any department currently using Firehouse Software for data collection with a current support agreement will receive the updated software automatically. Any department that doesn't subscribe to Firehouse Software can obtain a copy of the reporting software free of charge by contact OSFM. For their contact information you can use our hot link to get there.

The second session of the afternoon entitled "Propane Emergencies" by Ken Mueller of the Illinois Propane Gas Association (IPGA) brought the day to a close. Anyone interested in learning more about training programs sponsored by the IPGA can contact FSI at their hot link to find out more.

Day two began with Dave Clark from the U of I Fire Service Institute (FSI) making a presentation on on-line training that is currently available to firefighters across the state. If you're interested in this or any other training program offered by FSI check out our hot link to their site.

The second workshop of the morning titled "Meth Labs - what firefighters should know" was presented by a representative of Task Force X (a combined police agency task force in the southern Illinois area designed to address the Illinois drug problem). The key point of the presentation was to highlight various dangers firefighters may encounter while attacking fires in an illegal meth lab.

The afternoon "Testimoney of an Arsonist" presented by ATF agent David J. Diveley and John a convicted arsonist. Mr. Dively began by talking about how he tracked John for several years suspected arson, but he could never gather enough evidence to arrest him. Finally he did, but not for Arson, but for possession of cocaine. John immediately confessed to several Arson fires he committed and turned over those he worked for in return for a reduced sentence. John is now a born again everything as he stated, and told several stories about how he committed his crimes.

Elections rounded out the afternoon with a few new board changes (President & Vice President) to name a couple, followed by an afternoon open forum with Chief Doug Chappell. The annual banquet was held in the evening, with the annual memorial service Sunday morning concluding the conference. We hope to see all of you next year in Peoria!

Additional Vendor Photos

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