Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
A group of visitors from Indiana recently made a stop at the Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy (NIPSTA) in Glenview, a 21-acre facility dedicated to training emergency personnel. The academy, managed by an intergovernmental partnership of cities, fire districts, and other organizations, has become a hub for comprehensive disaster response training.
Jill Ramaker, who became the executive director two years ago, had a clear vision: to expand NIPSTA’s role beyond just fire service training. “When I started here, about 70% of our work was focused on fire training,†she explained. “My goal was to create a center that brings together all the different agencies and disciplines needed for a full-scale disaster response.â€
Within just a few years, NIPSTA transformed into a multi-agency training ground, offering programs in disaster health care, law enforcement, public works, and more. One of her most significant additions was the Center for Disaster and Emergency Medicine, which addresses a critical gap in training after paramedics complete their formal education.
“There was a big gap in real-world application,†Ramaker said. “Once you finish school, there’s not much to push you to really master your skills.â€
It’s not just about expanding the number of agencies trained at NIPSTA, but also about ensuring they train together. “We want to bring everyone involved in a disaster—whether it’s a small incident or a catastrophe—together so they can learn how to work as a team,†she added.
The academy is supported by nearly two dozen municipalities, including Arlington Heights, Winnetka, Deerfield, Skokie, Evanston, and Park Ridge. These communities are part of NIPSTA’s governing board, helping shape its mission and direction.
The Indiana delegation visited to gain insight into creating a similar training center in their state. They observed firefighters practicing car extrication, saw a high-tech mobile ambulance, and toured the new Center for Disaster and Emergency Medicine. They also viewed training towers, a trench rescue area, and even an old commuter train used for rescue drills.
Inside, law enforcement trainees used virtual reality to simulate real-life scenarios, such as a domestic dispute turning violent or a school shooting with life-threatening situations. A driving simulator allowed trainees to practice in extreme weather and emergency conditions.
Since Ramaker took the helm, she brought in Tom Gaertner, a former Broadview Fire Chief, as deputy director. Together, they oversee 450 instructors, many of whom are retired public safety professionals or work in the field while teaching.
“Our revenue is up 35% compared to last year,†Ramaker noted. “That shows we’re growing quickly.â€
Looking ahead, NIPSTA plans to launch a Center for Crisis Leadership next year. The agency is also working closely with Chicago, expanding snow plowing training for public works crews and helping school districts develop emergency plans. It even offers training for private industry employees.
Ramaker emphasized the importance of coordinated, comprehensive emergency response in today’s world. “When someone calls us and asks if we can help, we always say yes,†she said. “If we don’t have a program, we build one. We won’t turn anyone away because every part of society is affected by the challenges we face today.â€
Xuzhou Tianying Automobile Co.,Ltd , https://www.qjwzwelectrictricycle.com