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A Resolution Approving the Facility Use Agreement between the University of Illinois Fire Institute and the Village of Oak Park Fire Department to participate in the Illinois Fire Science Institute’s Illinois Firefighter Cancer Risk Study (IFCRS) with testing at the Village of Oak Park Fire Department
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Introduction
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This is a resolution approving an agreement between the Village and the University of Illinois to participate in the IFCRS. The goal of the study is to evaluate how firefighting affects firefighters’ health with a focus on cancer screening. Participants will provide blood and urine samples and will complete some questionnaires, including a baseline health questionnaire, an annual cancer survey, and an exposure log form
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Recommended Action
Approve the resolution.
Prior Board Action
There is no prior Board action associated with this item.
Background
This study is a one-of-a-kind opportunity offered at the University of Illinois. The study spans up to 30 years, with blood and urine samples collected initially and annually thereafter. Participants will be asked to log their fire exposure after each incident. This information is important because it allows us to connect exposures to health outcomes.
The study is open to all firefighters in the state of Illinois aged 18 and older. Participation in this study aligns with Village Board values by ensuring a healthy work environment for members of the fire department. Participation in this longitudinal study is part of our larger initiative to identify potentially dangerous substances, but also reduce known carcinogens through identification, a better-controlled decontamination process, and the identification of possible illness as soon as possible.
Work done to protect firefighters will ultimately provide information that will protect the public.
Timing Considerations
We are scheduled to conduct this testing in September of 2026
Financial Impact
There is no financial impact to the Village, as the program is grant-funded through IFSI.
Operations Impact
There is no operational impact associated with this item. Sample collection will be done as members leave their shift in the morning or before coming on shift. Updated exposure documentation will be done during downtime on shift, with no interruptions to calls for service.
With the mobile lab on site, more village staff can be screened as the inconvenience of travel times and parking is reduced for each member.
DEI Impact
Testing can provide early detection of illness, providing Village of Oak Park Firefighter/Paramedic treatment options before signs and symptoms appear. Information gained during this study can be used to guide future purchasing and/or response policy and procedures.
Firefighters are known to experience cancer at a significantly higher rate than the general public. This longitudinal study will help identify cases of cancer in early stages, offering improved outcomes if treated early. Data gained from these studies can also be used to examine and modify actions and decontamination procedures.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Approve the resolution and join the study
Advantages:
• This action can help with the early detection of illness among firefighters.
• This is an opportunity to gather useful information to modify cleaning and decontamination policy and procedures.
• This action reinforces the Village of Oak Park Fire Department as an employer of choice and abides by the Village values of employee safety and well-being.
Disadvantages:
• There are no disadvantages to this action
Alternatives
The Board can reject the resolution.
Advantages:
• There are no advantages to this action.
Disadvantages:
• This action would result in missing a no-cost opportunity to identify illness at an early and treatable stage, as well as the opportunity to collect data to identify and then support changes in decontamination and safety protocols
Anticipated Future Actions
Approve the resolution and enter the study.
Prepared By: JT Terry, Fire Chief
Reviewed By: Jack Malec, Assistant to the Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Facility Use Agreement
2. Resolution