Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
A group of visitors from Indiana recently visited the Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy (NIPSTA) in Glenview, a 21-acre facility dedicated to training police officers and firefighters. The academy is managed by an intergovernmental organization that includes municipalities, fire protection districts, and other local agencies.
Jill Ramaker, who became executive director two years ago, had a clear vision for NIPSTA: to expand its role beyond traditional fire service training and create a comprehensive center for all aspects of disaster response. When she first took the helm, about 70% of the academy’s programs were focused on fire training. But her goal was much broader—she wanted to bring together all types of emergency personnel for coordinated, large-scale disaster preparedness.
Within just a few years, NIPSTA has grown into a leading training center for disaster health care, law enforcement, public works, and more. Ramaker also prioritized modernizing the training experience, introducing cutting-edge technology to enhance real-world simulations. One of her most significant projects was the creation of the Center for Disaster and Emergency Medicine.
“We’re really at the beginning of this program,†Ramaker explained to her Indiana guests. “There was a gap in training after paramedic school—nothing existed to challenge people to truly master their skills.â€
It wasn’t just about expanding the number of agencies trained at NIPSTA, but also about fostering collaboration between different organizations. “We ask: who are all the key players involved in responding to any type of disaster?†Ramaker said. “Whether it’s a small incident or a major catastrophe, we need to make sure everyone is prepared to work together.â€
NIPSTA’s membership includes nearly two dozen towns, such as Arlington Heights, Winnetka, Deerfield, Skokie, Evanston, and Park Ridge. The Indiana delegation was there to learn how they could develop a similar public safety training center in their own state.
During their visit, the group observed firefighters practicing car extrication, saw a high-tech mobile ambulance, and toured the new Center for Disaster and Emergency Medicine. They also explored the academy’s grounds, including firefighter training towers, a trench rescue area, and a rusted commuter train used for rescue drills.
Inside, law enforcement trainees practiced with virtual reality systems. In one scenario, an officer responded to a domestic dispute that quickly escalated into a more dangerous situation. In another, he arrived at a school shooting where a student was injured and a fellow officer was shot.
A driving simulator allowed trainees to practice handling emergency situations in various weather conditions. Shortly after taking over, Ramaker hired 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 part-time in their respective fields.
“We’re 35% ahead in revenue compared to last year,†Ramaker noted. “From a business standpoint, that shows we’re growing fast.â€
Looking ahead, NIPSTA plans to launch a Center for Crisis Leadership next year. The agency has also hired a new campus safety director and is forming a partnership with Chicago. Public works employees can now receive snow plowing training, and NIPSTA is working more closely with school districts on emergency planning. Additionally, the academy is expanding its services to include private industry training.
Ramaker emphasized that today’s emergency challenges require not only proper training but also a unified, comprehensive approach. “When someone reaches out to us and asks if we can help, our answer is always yes,†she said. “If we don’t have a program, we create one. We won’t turn anyone away because every part of society is affected by the changes happening in our world today.â€
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