Illinois Fire Service Institute Library

🎉 The IAFC is proud to celebrate a major milestone—50,000 firefighters have now registered for the NIOSH National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer! We are a proud NFR Champion supporting the mission to build a healthier fire service. Let’s keep the momentum going. Join today: https://nfr.cdc.gov/

We are organizing a cruise-in event in conjunction with America’s 250th celebration. Bring your classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, and enjoy an evening of fun, great vehicles, and community spirit!

Friday, June 26, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

The Firefighters’ Choice Award will be announced at 7:00 PM.

Participants will also have the opportunity to join the 7:30 PM parade down Main Street as part of the America 250 celebration festivities.

Illinois State Fire Dog Norman wants to remind everyone that emergencies can happen at any time, and your pets depend on you to be prepared.

Here are a few simple ways to keep your furry family members safe:
🐶 Keep pets properly identified with current tags and microchip information.
🐱 Prepare a pet emergency kit with food, water, medications, veterinary records, and comfort items.
🐾 Include your pets in your family emergency and evacuation plans.
🏠 Know where you can take your pets if you need to evacuate, as not all hotels accept animals.
📸 Keep recent photos of your pets in case you become separated during an emergency.
🚪 Place pet alert stickers on doors or windows to let first responders know animals are inside your home.

Being prepared helps ensure every member of your family—including those with four legs—stays safe during an emergency.

Congratulations to the 73 volunteer fire departments across the state that received the Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources totaling $495,000.

The Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) grant program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. The program provides matching funds to aid fire departments in the purchase of new equipment and helps fund training. Funding is passed through IDNR to local fire departments and fire training academies.

https://www.illinois.gov/news/release.html?releaseid=32588

🇺🇸REGISTRATION IS OFFICIALLY OPEN🇺🇸

Find resources at the IFSI Library Resiliency LibGuide: https://guides.library.illinois.edu/c.php?g=615061

June is PTSD Awareness Month, a time to recognize the invisible challenges many first responders face while serving their communities.

Firefighters, EMS personnel, law enforcement officers, dispatchers, and other emergency responders are regularly exposed to traumatic events that can have lasting impacts on mental health. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By supporting one another, reducing stigma, and encouraging open conversations, we can help ensure those who protect our communities receive the care and support they deserve.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. Help is available, and no one has to face PTSD alone.