Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal January 2017

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Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal January 2017

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OSFM Monthly Newsletter “Partnering with the Fire Service to Protect Illinois”

From the Director page 3 New Deputy General Counsel page 4 Making a Difference page 5 Letter from Representative Moffitt page 6 Carbon Monoxide Safety Guide page 7 MABAS Visit & Proctor Training page 8 OSFM Vacancies page 9 Kids’ Corner Word Search page 10 Photo Gallery page 11-13

On the Cover: Arson Investigator Mitch Kushner investigating a fire occuring at a

residence in Chicago, IL

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From the State Fire Marshal Matt Perez

Happy New Year from all the members of the OSFM! 2016 was a year of challenges and successes with much to be grateful for. One of the things I am most

thankful for are the employees of our agency.

Last year, an employee engagement survey was rolled out to all state employees which measured how they felt about their jobs in the areas of; retention and satisfaction, work environment, and supervision and leadership in their agencies. The survey also asked for suggestions in the areas listed above.

I spent a good many years as a firefighter and coaching high school football. The success of both of those endeavors relied heavily on each individual knowing their role, being proficient at it and being held accountable for performing it. In the fire service we held “after fire” critiques, where the actions of the companies involved were reviewed and discussed to determine if there could have been a better or safer way to do things. In football there were film sessions after each game in which each play is broken down and the reason for success or failure is identified in an effort to improve performance.

I looked at this survey as our “critique” or “film session” as managers of our agency

and was anxious to receive the results. I was happy to find out our agency scored above average in every category and the results indicated that, as a whole, our employees feel their work provides them a feeling of accomplishment, their talents are well used, the office conditions are good, and that supervisors are capable, helpful, respectful, and lead by example.

This was great news, but as a fire officer or coach, you learn to not be satisfied with good news, the real goal is to keep getting better. So, I was very interested in reading the suggestions of our employees and our executive staff spent months reviewing the responses, not only considering their value, but also looking at ways we could implement those that would be of value to the agency. We compiled a list of all the survey responses with our evaluation/actions taken and distributed it to all our agency personnel so they knew that not only were their suggestions heard, but they were valued and implemented where possible. We also had an all agency luncheon in December to review the results and thank everyone for their concern to make our agency better.

The survey has allowed us to become better managers, which in turn will improve our employee’s capacity to serve the residents, businesses, and firefighters of Illinois. As I said in the beginning, I am thankful for our employees who embrace this team mentality and value our mission. As Rocky Balboa would say “That is how winnin’ is done!”

Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal January 2017

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Meet the New Deputy General Counsel Matt Sebek

On November 15th, Matt Sebek was selected to become the Deputy General Counsel for the OSFM Legal Division.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be starting with the OSFM team. This office presents a unique opportunity in state government, which mixes a high level of professionalism and sophistication in the vital services it provides with a smaller, more intimate office community than the typical state agency. My goal is simply to jump into that environment with both feet. On the one hand, to build lasting relationships with the people with whom I work and to add value, where value can be added, to the work that they do and vice versa. And, on the other, to support the General Counsel and Legal staff in every way possible in their mission of advocating for and zealously representing the interests of the Fire Marshal, the agency and the state.”

Matt is originally from Tinley Park, but now resides in Decatur, Illinois. He is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University and the University of Illinois, College of Law. Matt started his legal career in private practice in Chicago and Champaign. In 2006, he accepted a position at the Illinois Attorney General’s Office as an Assistant Attorney General, Public Access and Opinions Division. From 2013 to October of 2016, Matt served as Senior Counsel for the Bureau of Finance and Administration at Central Management Services. At CMS he was the agency’s FOIA Officer and a primary legal consultant to the Governor’s office.

Matt is a proud husband to wife Christin and father of four girls: Kayla, Ella, Carolyn, and Eva. Matt says his family is definitely his greatest accomplishment. He is also involved in activities at his local church, his local Big Brothers program, and an avid basketball and hockey fan.

State Fire Marshal Perez says, “Matt is a welcome addition to our legal division. His expertise and experience with other state agencies will provide a great base for his career with the OSFM."

Deputy General Counsel Matt Sebek, Matt.Sebek@illinois.gov

Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal January 2017

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OSFM Employees Making a Difference

Arson Investigator II Kevin Smith & K9 Officer Yancy (Pictured left to right) Arson Investigator Kevin Smith and Dale Wheeler, Chairman-Illinois Arson Committee. Investigator Smith and K9 Officer Yancy were recently honored at an awards presentation at the Oak Forest Fire Department. After an extensive investigation into the cause of a deadly apartment building fire, the arsonist offender received a guilty verdict, which resulted in a Natural Life sentence for the offender. Investigator Smith’s testimony and investigation was key in the conviction. To read more about the case, see a recent Chicago Tribune news article: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-cicero-valentines-day-2010-arson-murder-conviction-20141117-story.html

Petroleum & Chemical Safety Manager Fred Schneller & OSFM An executive from an energy company, which operate several gas stations/c-stores in Illinois recently said, “I have had many vendors compliment your website and all the information that is available. Some other states should have used your software people.” Fire Prevention Inspector II Terry Brown “...I just wanted to tell you I appreciate so much the time you took to walk through the building and explain things to me. My experience with the inspection process throughout has often been difficult and confusing. But your approach was much difference, more professional, and I felt like you were really there to help make things safe above all else. You were very thorough and clearly knowledgeable about safety and planning. Everything you shared only helps me to be better at what I do and to create the safest possible environment for the children in my care. Thanks again for all your help.”

OSFM Coat Drive-Office Associate Kensie Proctor & Technical Advisor III Cindy Baum During the recent Christmas season, OSFM employees participated in a coat drive for homeless and needy children. The coat drive was started by Office Associate Kensie Proctor and Technical Advisor III Cindy Baum. They collaborated on pulling together an amazing event, which provided coats, hats, gloves, socks, and scarves. The recipients of the coat drive were: COMPASS, a

Springfield, IL after school program for homeless and at-risk children, 5th Street Renaissance which offers transitional housing to men, Ridgely Elementary School in Springfield, IL, for less fortunate children, and Helping Hands Ministry, which also provides services for women and children. OSFM employee’s donated gently used or new items as well as $230 in cash for the purchase of additional clothing items. “OSFM may be small, but we are mighty, with big-hearted employees! That’s something that I like most about our agency-it’s full of people who really care about others,” said Cindy Baum.

Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal January 2017

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Letter from State Representative Don Moffitt to OSFM

Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal January 2017

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Carbon Monoxide Safety Guide

According to the National Fire Protection Association, half of home heating equipment fires are reported during the months of December, January, and February. During the colder months, there is also an increased risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, and colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, natural gas, propane, and methane) burn incompletely. In your home, heating equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide.

In 2010, NFPA reported US fire departments responded to an estimated 80,100 non-fire CO incidents in which carbon monoxide was found. That’s roughly 9 calls per hour in 2010!

In Illinois, as of January 1, 2007, homeowners, landlords, and building owners are required to install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors within 15 feet of rooms used for sleeping. This law applies only to those occupancies that use fossil fuel to cook, heat, or produce hot water, or occupancies that are connected to an enclosed garage.

The carbon monoxide detector may be battery operated, plug-in with battery back-up, or wired into the home's AC power with a secondary battery back-up. It must also bear the label of a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as the Underwriters Laboratories or the Canadian Standard Association. For more information about the law, please click see Public Act 094-0741 or contact your local building commissioner.

Safety measures: Test your Carbon monoxide detectors monthly. Never heat your home with your gas range or oven. Never burn charcoal inside your home or garage. Turn portable heaters off when leaving your home or going to bed. Always open the chimney flue when you use your fireplace. Never run a combustion engine, such as your car, lawn mower or snow blower, in enclosed areas. Install a CO detector: Install a CO detector within 15' of any room used for sleeping in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Do not install a CO detector near your kitchen or garage or in a room with a furnace. If your CO detector goes off and you or anyone in your household feel ill, leave the house and call 911. Recognize the symptoms of CO poisoning: Dizziness, nausea, headache and coughing Irregular heartbeat Pale skin with cherry red lips and ear tips Know what to do if you suspect CO poisoning: Get fresh air and stay outside. Call 911.

Safety Tip:

During and after a snowstorm, inspect vents of the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace to make sure they are clear of snow build-up.

Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal January 2017

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OSFM visits MABAS

OSFM and IEMA Executives visited MABAS Director Jay Reardon and his staff at their headquarters in Wheeling, IL. MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm Systems) is a mutual aid response systems for fire, EMS, and specialized operational teams which provide rapid emergency response and assistance to participating departments. (Pictured left to right) Chief Jay Reardon with FM Matt Perez. Chief Operating Officer Kent Tomblin, FM Matt Perez, and Deputy Director Alix Armstead.

Personnel Standards & Education Division

OSFM hosted PS&E Regional Examinations, in the Springfield office on December 15, 2016. PS&E Education Office Specialist Kyle Blakeman is seen here proctoring the exam. The OSFM provides regional exams on the first Monday and third Thursday of every month (except for January and August). The next exam date is scheduled for February 6, 2017. For more information, please click on the PS&E link: http://www.sfm.illinois.gov/Fire-Service/FIREFIGHTER-TRAINING

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OSFM Vacancies

The OSFM is looking for qualified men and women who want to assist the agency in protecting lives and property.

Job Title: Public Service Administrator-Opt 1, Southern Region, Division of Fire Prevention

Under Administrative direction of the Division Manager, directs field staff in the Southern Illinois Region of the Division of Fire Prevention involving the fire prevention inspection program. Serves as a working supervisor to Fire Prevention Inspector I and II’s in the Southern Region Area.

Job Requirements: Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, preferably with courses in business or public administrative experience in fire safety code enforcement for fire department, municipality, state or federal agency. Requires valid driver’s license. Requires the physical ability to perform the job duties. Requires experience in computer software such as Microsoft Office. Requires certification as an NFPA Fire Inspector II or obtain such certification within 2 years of employment. Requires knowledge of the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and its applications. Prefer experience in public speaking before large groups of constituents. Prefer experience and/or certification as a Fire Service Instructor.

If you have any questions about employment with the OSFM and any of the current job vacancies or possible upcoming vacancies, please contact Jodi

Schrage at (217) 558-1750 or Jodi.Schrage@illinois.gov .

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Kid’s Corner Word Search Fire Safety

S F P Q D A L A R M W R H D C P I A J F M K R Q V S I R E N R R G R Z R E R B U Y E S X O I E A A S E I R E T T A B T M N F E L T O T D O O R R S I L K I Z P J K N H Z D O A M N Y L G R E M E R G E N C Y O G W E H L L R M U C K H S T K U S R T N D E S A R P E D E E I O S E D N B S E X I T J F D S E L R E A S V A Z I R K A E H Y M A C C A L L 9 1 1 P S T E C U R T X A T A X U S L A E R N A B E N Q L P S L W A R C J E H O S E H H P B H G H A T A G I A T G V E C G V E Y G O E R D E S C P A I C N Q S G R Z E G G U O B L A O O I G A W O M F M T A O L B P A Q T Y T W E I S W W I I E T G O R E L I T O U I J E R H R X Y A C E W S L V R L A D D E R R K Y K M Y C A R B O N M O N O X I D E W

FIREFIGHTER DRILL Directions: Find the 24 words LADDER ARSON listed at the left. Talk about EXIT ALARM how each word relates to SMOKE DETECTOR CALL 911 fire safety. CRAWL EMERGENCY MEETING PLACE CARBON MONOXIDE TEST ASHES SIREN STOP BATTERIES SPRINKLERS DOOR EXTINGUISHER CANDLE SAFETY HOSE

Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal January 2017

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Photo Gallery The OSFM Office Celebrated the Christmas Season with a delicious potluck,

music, and a White Elephant Gift Exchange.

(Left to right, top to bottom) Petroleum & Chemical Safety Engineering Tech III Daniel Starks, FOIA Clerk Cheryle Kaufman, Technical Advisor III Cindy Baum; Arson Administrative Assistant Simony Capelli, Special Project’s Manager Jodi Schrage with Legislative Liaison George Korda; Chief Fiscal Officer Ronny Wickenhauser with Fire Prevention Office Specialist Debbie Wickenhauser, Contractor Kathy Miller; and Security Officer Doris Merrifield.

Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal January 2017

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(Left to right, top to bottom) Petroleum & Chemical Safety Office Associate Mary Frances DeRosa; Administrative Assistant Andrea Leonard; Deputy General Counsel Matt Sebek with Legal Technical Advisor Tom Andryk and Petroleum & Chemical Safety Manager Fred Schneller; Underground Storage Tank Contractor Sandy Hall; Underground Storage Tank Contractor Nancy Robinson.

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(Pictured left to right, top to bottom) Office staff sharing holiday meal; Management Services Administrative Assistant II Jim Boone and Fire Marshal Matt Perez; DoIT Information Systems Analysis Chuck Granger; Gift Exchange presents; Office Associate Kensie Proctor and Special Projects and Executive II Pam Sargent from Special Project’s.