MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Chief James Saletta, Huntley Fire Department

From the November 2009 newsletter... Chief James Saletta, President
Greeting to all!!

I would like to report on a few recent events sponsored by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and would again like to thank everyone for their continued involvement in promoting fire safety.

On October 8th, the IFSA hosted the 68th Annual Fire Prevention Week Luncheon at Bobak’s Signature Events in Woodridge Illinois. 500 people representing nearly 80 different departments or organizations attended the event, showing continued strong support for fire prevention activities and programs throughout the state. Keeping the Luncheon on track was the Master of Ceremonies Hosea Sanders, the co-anchor of ABC 7 Chicago morning news and a member of the Chicago Fire Department sponsored “Save a Life” team. The guest speaker was Minneapolis Fire Chief and Comedian Alex Jackson who provided comedic entertainment that anyone associated with the fire service could appreciate.

This year we are proud to present Special Recognition Awards for their efforts in promoting fire safety to the following:

  • Danielle Guerra of the Northwest Herald for her multimedia coverage of Camp “I Am Me”.
  • The Addison Fire Protection District with the Addison Police Department for creating a fireworks safety video for the city of Addison’s local television network.
  • Anthony Rodkey of the Countryside Fire Protection District for developing and organizing a You Tube Video Contest for Fire Safety and Burn Prevention for high school age students in Lake County.

The 2009 Newspapers In Education Essay Contest winners are Vivian Cifuentes (Chicago), Oscar Garcia (Chicago) and Colleen McInerney (Crestwood).

  • Linda Brady of the Skokie Fire Department received the Wayne Luecht Memorial Award for her lifetime contribution and dedication to fire safety including her involvement in the development of the statewide Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Program.
  • Next year’s Luncheon is tentatively scheduled for October 7, 2010 at the White Eagle Banquet facility in Niles Illinois. (Editor’s note: See survey on page 8).
  • Over the past year the IFSA has expanded its efforts to connect state legislators with local Fire Chiefs and Fire Officials by sponsoring area legislative forums. These “meet and greet” style meetings have been held in McHenry County, Will County and in the northwest suburban Chicago area. The IFSA has been successful in establishing meaningful dialogue on pertinent current legislation concerning fire service issues with our State Representatives and Senators. This program will continue into 2010 reaching out to other areas in the state.

    Jim Saletta, President