Fire Training Page - Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy (NIPSTA)

The NIPSTA Fire Officer Training Program will resume when the Management III program begins in late August. The Fire Officer series is one of the most successful programs delivered on Campus. More than 300 participants receive year-round instruction that satisfies the learning objectives set forth by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. Students return to their departments with an enhanced sense of leadership and professionalism that improve their on-the-job performance.

Advantages of the NIPSTA program include: a convenient, one-week format; a variety of classroom instructors; daily breakfast and lunch menus; and an opportunity to share experiences with fire department personnel from throughout the Chicagoland area. Students also receive college credit from Oakton Community College - a NIPSTA Affiliate Member. Register Now!

Additional Homeland Security Training

New homeland security programs are now available for July, August, and September. Intermediate and Advanced Incident Command System (ICS) programs, and the Train-the-Trainer program, are ready for registration by police, fire/EMS, and public works personnel. A cooperative effort involving NIPSTA, the Cook County Urban Area Security Initiative, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security makes possible the delivery of training at various suburban locations.

The audience for these sessions represents a cross-section of first responders and jurisdictions in the region. To-date, more than 2,200 persons have received this training, which is necessary to satisfy federal government compliance requirements related to receipt of future emergency preparedness grant funds. Click here to view the fire training calendar.

Driver Training Saves Lives and Equipment

The NIPSTA Fire/EMS Driver Training Program offers a dual approach to reducing risks and minimizing liabilities. Two curricula are available:

NAPD - The National Academy for Professional Driving helps students develop skills and knowledge that will enhance their on-the-job performance. NAPD training is ideally suited for new drivers requiring a solid foundation in driving fundamentals and vehicle dynamics. Experienced drivers will also benefit from this comprehensive program that combines roadway principles with practical exercises.

FSVO - The Fire Service Vehicle Operator program is "highly recommended" by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. This training provides personnel with basic knowledge and skills to safely perform operations as defined by NFPA 1002 (1998) and NFPA 1451 (2002). A three-year State certification is awarded to drivers who successfully complete the program.