Eight Illinois Fire Departments Recognized For Their Fire Prevention Efforts

CHICAGO – The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) congratulates the eight fire departments from Illinois that are being recognized with the 2013 Life Safety Award for their commitment to fire prevention efforts in their communities.  The recipients have received the award from the National Association of State Fire Marshals Fire Research and Education Foundation (NASFM Foundation) and Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company.

“This recognition is a testament to the work that all our fire departments in this state do in regards to  fire suppression efforts and engaging the communities in fire prevention and public education activities,” said State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis. “Receiving this award shows that their efforts in educating the community make a difference in saving lives.”

The primary requirement to qualify for the award is that the department have a record of zero fire deaths in residential structures or a 10 percent reduction of fire deaths in their district from the prior year.  In addition, departments must also document active and effective fire prevention programs.

This year’s award recipients utilized an array of fire prevention and public education techniques.  Among other activities, award recipients organized educational programs designed to teach children basic evacuation skills and how to call 9-1-1, promoted fire safety at community events, conducted fire safety inspections, and checked and installed free smoke detectors.

The 8 fire departments from Illinois being recognized were among a total of 143 fire departments nationwide that earned the Life Safety Achievement Award for their fire prevention and public education accomplishments in 2013.  The fire departments from Illinois receiving the Life Safety Achievement Award this year are:

• Bedford Township Fire Department, Cisne
• Bourbonnais Fire Protection District, Bourbonnais
• Countryside Fire Protection District, Vernon Hills    
• Darien-Woodridge Fire District, Darien
• Gurnee Fire Rescue, Gurnee
• River Forest Fire Department, River Forest
• Tuscola Fire Department, Tuscola
• Wheeling Fire Department, Wheeling