CACC Fire Science

04/13/2026

A special thank you to Chief Vanderwerf and training division of Springfield Illinois Fire Department for allowing us the use of the training grounds at Station 2. The kids got a whole morning of search and rescue training in the collapse house as well as the SCBA confidence course. Thank you to Fiesta for making some great food and great service.

04/12/2026

We cannot thank Schultz Collision Center enough for the time and effort it takes to donate, deliver, and remove 12 vehicles to allow the kids the opportunity to complete this training and event. A huge thank you to Springfield Illinois Fire Department for donating the extrication tools to the Springfield Fire Department Explorer Post 300 that co-op and allow for both programs to use them. And another thank you to the staff at Capital Area Career Center for allowing the instructors to provide this training.

04/10/2026

Big day. More pictures to come. The Mock Crash is a simulated motor vehicle accident caused by a driver suspected of DUI. It brings in the topic of driving under the influence, teen drivers, and the consequences and dangers of both. Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement get the opportunity to use their skills while demonstrating the technical aspect of victim extrication.

04/09/2026

Its been a busy wee at CACC fire. In preparation for the DUI mock crash ahead of Prom, we have been cutting, rolling and spreading metal. Vehicle extrication is an art that utilizes critical thinking, forward thinking and on the fly adjustment. Mr. Eisenberg even got in on the action. We even got an SFD rookie out to assist in teaching. Big thanks to Probate Firefighter Donathan for the assist. A huge thanks to Schultz Collision Center for donating and delivering vehicles. Without them, none of this would be possible.

03/03/2026

Ex*****on of training is a direct reflection of how you will operate on the fire grounds. This week is about doing things the right way. Hands on repetition and plenty of sweat.

02/28/2026

Spent the day with Mr. Graham and his health classes at Springfield High School Springfield Ill talking about Exploring and CACC Fire Science. Six presentations later my voice is shot, but if we all make a small impact, it equals a large one.

Thank you to Mr. Graham and SHS.

02/28/2026

Spent the morning at Franklin Middle School talking to the kids about what being a firefighter for Springfield Illinois Fire Department is like, what motivates us to become firemen, and the process to become a fireman. Of course the best option for our youth is exploring with Springfield Fire Department Explorer Post 300 and attending CACC Fire Science.

For the record, I was not speaking as intensely as the picture leads to believe. It was loud in there and I am old and deaf.

Illinois Times
WICS ABC Newschannel 20
Abraham Lincoln Council, Scouting America

Springfield Fire Fighters Local 37

02/19/2026

We were honored to be invited by Fire and Rescue to speak to some of the kids at High School. We were able to speak about volunteer and professional careers. A large portion of the presentation was dedicated to early introduction to fire through CACC Fire Science. We cant thank Chief John Archer enough for their invitation.

Springfield Illinois Fire Department
Springfield Fire Department Explorer Post 300
Capital Area Career Center

02/12/2026

02/06/2026

Mr. Jacobs was an amazing young student of the Fire Science class. It is always amazing to see these young individuals on the streets and continuing their passion in the fire service.

02/05/2026