FEMA Fire Grant Helps Build Illinois Facility For First Responder Training
Release Date: July 31, 2003
Release Number: FNF-03-08
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 Maconb fire training facility building. FEMA News Photo  Firefighters raise the flag to dedicate the new facility. FEMA News Photo |
On July 19, 2003, the first annual McDonough County Emergency Responder School was held in Macomb, Illinois. The school's unique design was a direct result of input from local fire departments, Macomb Police Department, McDonough District Hospital, and Spoon River College. Topics and activities of the school will help develop and sharpen skills and knowledge of emergency responders and community leaders.
More than 150 firefighters and first responders attended the school according to Lt. Roger Lunt, school director and Macomb firefighter. The First Responder School attracted local departments from Illinois, Iowa, and several other states. Topics in the school include fire ground basics, lifesaving drills, pump operations, hazards and treatment of injuries, and fire scene management. Instructors at the school are a cross-section of emergency and firefighting professionals, many of whom are from the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute.
In all, four drills were held, the last of which was an exercise requiring an Emergency Operations Center and Unified Command System. The mock incident simulated a gunman firing form the top of the four story training structure, with first responders assisting victims on the ground.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizens Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 05-Aug-2003 10:37:43