Committees

The status of Administrative Professional of the Year is an honorary title for Administrative Professionals within the Illinois Fire Service.  It is reserved to recognize an individual with outstanding and significant contributions to the fire service within their communities, the state, local and regional committees or associations, and individual educational achievements related to the fire service.  Administrative Professional of the Year award highlights diverse activities setting them apart from their peers.

Chairperson:  Chief Tom Styczynski, Alsip FD   tstyczynski@villageofalsip.org

The symposium committee is tasked with creating and overseeing a mid-year educational and networking event centered on current topics relevant to the Illinois fire service. The symposium is also home to hosting special recognition events exclusive to the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association as well as creating several networking activities for the good of the association.

Chairperson:  Fire Marshal Eric Norlin, Lincolnshire-Riverwoods FPD  enorlin@lrfpd.org

The IFCA Consulting team provides detailed analysis and studies specializing in public safety, technology and planning. The scope of services provided includes but is not limited to: 

Strategic Planning; Consolidation of Jurisdictions Studies; Accreditation and ISO consultations; Station and Apparatus distribution studies; Finance and Budget review; Capital Improvement Planning; Staffing and Organizational Review; Operational Analysis; Management Consultation.

Chairperson:  

The DEI committee of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association is tasked with providing tools and resources to improve the diversity, equity, and inclusion of the Illinois Fire Service. Our various partnerships have served our mission well to include DEI in all aspects of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association’s operations. The committee conducts outreach efforts with articles, the monthly association newsletter, and various other avenues. We are also working to bring national level speakers and programs to the state.  In addition, we work closely with the conference committee to ensure many perspectives are presented by the speakers. We are leveraging the assets of the International Fire Chiefs Association to help provide some best practices as well as guest speakers. This committee will be part of the ongoing effort to improve DEI throughout the state.

To accomplish our goals, we meet regularly and are working on various subcommittees to accomplish our goals.  These committees are:

Education/Training          Outreach/Communications          Recruiting          Work Plan development

Chairperson:  Chief Mick Smith   MSmith@richtonpark.org

The status of Fire Chief Emeritus is an honorary title for retired Fire Chiefs for meritorious service to their community, and the profession.  It is reserved for those retired Chiefs who have had distinguished careers and whose significant contributions within their communities, the state, and nationally that has set them apart from their peers.  Fire Chief Emeritus status confers recognition for many years of outstanding service and is considered an honor bestowed on Fire Chiefs of extraordinary distinction.

Chairperson:  Chief Joe Holomy, Effingham FD (ret) chiefholomy@hotmail.com

The IFCA will supply officers to help the department with the planning and arrangements of a funeral. They will assist with protocols to honor the memory of the fallen firefighter. They will work with the department to allow members to perform any roles they can.

Chairperson:   Chief Jim Klinefelter, Shannon FD, jklinefelter@shannonfire.org

Legislative Liaison: Chief John Buckley, Executive Director IFCA  execdir@illinoisfirechiefs.org

The immediate past president is the chair of the nominations committee and is responsible for coordinating the election of board officers at the annual meeting.  He is responsible for speaking with incumbent and new candidates to ensure a full slate of qualified officers and providing that information to the administrative assistant in order to prepare the election information and ballots for the annual meeting.

Chairperson:  Chief Rich Mikel, Elk Grove Village FD   rmikel@elkgrove.org

The Illinois Fire Chiefs Promotional Evaluation and Assessment Service was organized in 1975 to assist fire departments and fire protection districts in the selection of personnel for supervisory positions from the rank of Engineer through Fire Chief, utilizing the Assessment Center type methodology.  Our Assessment Center processes are fully compliant with the Promotions Bill and all our Assessors are annually certified to comply with the rules established by the Joint Labor Management Committee (JLMC) and Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Chairperson: John Buckley, Executive Director IFCA   execdir@illinoisfirechiefs.org

The Volunteer & Combination Officers Section (VCOC) serves as a dedicated resource for volunteer and combination fire service leaders throughout Illinois. The section provides a forum for collaboration, professional development, and the exchange of ideas to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing volunteer and combination departments.

Through its leadership team, the VCOC works to support fire service professionals by promoting best practices, fostering peer connections, and identifying educational opportunities that strengthen departments and the communities they serve.

The VCOC also provides guidance and oversight for the annual Volunteer & Combination Officers Conference, helping ensure relevant and impactful programming for fire service leaders across the state.

View VCOC Committee Members