 FIREFIGHTERS

The OFFICE OFTHE STATE FIRE MARSHAL adopted amendments to Policy and Procedures Manual for Fire Protection Personnel (41 IAC 141; 45 Ill Reg 3291) effective 8/31/21, updating training requirements and certification criteria for various firefighter positions, ranks and titles. Certification as a Company Fire Officer, Advanced Fire Officer, Fire Inspector I, Fire Investigator, or Arson Investigator, or in hazardous materials operations or rope operations, requires meeting or exceeding the standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). For Company and Advanced Fire Officers, this includes completion of 40 Phase I instructional hours (in person or online) and 80 Phase II instructional hours (must be in person). Beginning 1/1/22, recertification will be required every 4 years for 29 additional ranks/titles (previously, only Fire Investigator andArson Investigator required recertification); the rulemaking outlines the recertification process. Since 1st Notice, in response to public comment, OSFM has clarified that ranks and titles not recertified by the deadline remain valid, but not current. Level-specific certifications other than Fire Investigator andArson Investigator that require recertification before 1/1/22 will remain in effect through 12/31/25. Other changes since 1st Notice clarify the title recertification process and which “historical” titles are equivalent to current titles. Local fire departments will be affected by this rulemaking.

Questions/requests for copies: Nancy Robinson, OSFM, 1035 Stevenson Drive, Springfield IL 62703, 217/785-7629.