Title
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A Resolution Approving the Intergovernmental Agreement between the University of Illinois and the Village of Oak Park for the Illinois Fire Science Institute to Provide Grant-Funded Emergency Fire Ground Communications Classes in the Village of Oak Park and Authorizing Its Execution
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Introduction
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This is a resolution approving the Intergovernmental Agreement with the University of Illinois for onsite training offered by the Illinois Fire Services Institute (IFSI) at the University of Illinois.
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Recommended Action
Approve the resolution.
Prior Board Action
There is no prior Board action associated with this item.
Background
On Occasion the IFSI will offer onsite classes at fire departments across the state. The Village of Oak Park Fire Department has been selected to host Fire Ground Communications classes. The class focuses on how to develop, implement, and evaluate fire ground communications. Offering the class in Oak Park will allow more of the fire department staff the opportunity to practice tactical and strategic size up procedures assuring the proper communication benchmarks are used, with the time away and added expense of travel downstate.
Timing Considerations
The training class is scheduled for February of 2026.
Budget Impact
These classes are normally offered on campus at the University of Illinois. Hosting this class at the Village of Oak Park Fire Department affords significant savings in travel, backfilling of staff, and room and board.
Operating Impact
Increased state level training brought to the Village of Oak Park, offers more staff members the opportunity to attend this class. Onsite training of this level usually requires staff to travel to the University of Illinois. This onsite training, in Oak Park, allows for more exposure and repetitions that is normally afforded, with a significant reduction in expense for travel, room and board. The subject matter aligns with the department’s core service delivery. All members of the department that attend training will be exposed up to 8 hours of in person training. Crews that attend training will acquire the skills needed to improve communications on emergency scenes. No external consultants have been used to this point, but all the instructors for the class will be from IFSI.
DEI Impact
Improved training can result in better service provision to all individuals during high stress emergency scene operations.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Approve the resolution and host the training.
Advantages:
• Live scenario-based training allows members to work in stress filled situations with the safety of classroom and controlled situations.
• Scenarios are designed in stages with After Action Reviews (AAR) to offer immediate and productive reviews to address and correct weakness without the risks of putting crews in dangerous situations.
Disadvantages:
• There are no disadvantages to this action.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can reject the resolution.
Advantages:
• There are no advantages to this action.
Disadvantages:
• There will be additional costs to send staff to the University of Illinois as well as cost associated with travel and back filling to staff the department.
Alternative 2:
The Board can request additional information.
Advantages:
• The Board will be provided with additional information requested.
Disadvantages:
• The resolution must be approved before February 2026.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no anticipated future actions in relation to this item.
Prepared By: Joseph Terry, Fire Chief
Reviewed By: Jack Malec, Assistant to the Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution
2. Contract