Assistant fire chief makes the grade at fire academy

LOMBARD — After spending 17 years in the fire service on the administrative and fire prevention side of things, Lombard's Assistant Fire Chief Jerry Howell was more than eager to don his newly-assigned gear and tackle the physically and mentally challenging tasks offered by the Northern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy (NIPSTA.) In layman's terms, Howell was about to embark on a nine-week long, unforgettable experience.

At twice the age of most of the other participants and the oldest person ever to complete the Academy, Howell's positive “can do” attitude made the effort, long days and strenuous activities all worth it for him.

With a total class of 12 separated into teams of four, Howell was voted to be the Company Officer on duty, whose job it was to ensure the safety, direction and readiness of his team. He received a physical fitness award for the hardest working and the best performing company. Howell also achieved the highest test score in the Academy on the state firefighter 2 certification test. “I was one of three candidates who maintained a quiz average that was over 90 percent during the entire Academy,” he stated.

The Fire Academy, held in Glenview at the former location of the Glenview Naval Air Station, demanded training days that lasted 10-12 hours. Howell's participation in the Academy is a first as it marks the only time a Chief Officer has ever attended. He is the oldest candidate to ever complete the Academy.

“Jerry was able to pass a vigorous gear and equipment inspection on his first day at the Academy. Many candidates are sent back to their department to get the proper gear,” said Lombard Fire Chief Mike Torrence. “It gives further testament to the commitment that Lombard makes to outfit our firefighters with the best equipment to do their jobs,” he added.

When instructors at the Academy realized that an Assistant Fire Chief was going to participate in the training, there was some discussion about changing the procedures and information covered in the training.

“I am happy to report that they didn't change a thing,” said Howell, “which is how it should be.”

Many days were typical in that students had daily quizzes on the information covered the prior day. Physical training was also a large part of the daily routine. An hour and a half of calisthenics and running, following by what is referred to at the Academy as “training evolutions” took up most of the morning. These consisted of various physical training exercises involving setting up ladders and ventilating roofs or searching for “victims” and commanding assistance in getting them out of a burning building. “Victims” were 150-200 pound mannequins which were used in many of the training evolutions.

Afternoons were mainly a combination of classroom and practical training, said Howell.

In addition, each day the teams were responsible for treating the Academy facilities and apparatus as if it were a fire station, meaning that an hour before reporting for duty, rigs had to be checked out, tools had to be inspected and items used the prior day had to be replaced. Restocking the fire engines with hose that was used the day before could take several hours, as it would need to be inspected, washed, dried and made ready for service.

Oh, and there are house duties that were required as well — cleaning everything from the fire apparatus to the bathrooms. Never a dull moment.

Commuting to the Fire Academy meant getting on the road early to arrive no later than 7 a.m. for station duties with the Academy officially beginning at 8 a.m. Quitting time was anywhere between 6 and 7 p.m. but not before “absolutely everything was done before going home at night,” Howell said, where between one and two hours of homework awaited, in preparation for the next morning's quiz.

“The physical training was brutal,” said Howell. This is coming from a guy who is a two time Ironman triathlon finisher, marathon runner and ski racer.

“We trained outdoors in snow, regardless of the weather or temperatures, which was intended to simulate real live conditions. We chopped wood which simulated venting roofs with axes. Everything had a purpose.”

“It was very hard, extremely challenging and physically tough,” Howell said. “It challenged me as well as guys half my age because it is specifically intended to see if you can do the job,” he pointed out. “I thought I was in pretty good shape but this Academy challenged me in ways beyond what I could have imagined,” Howell added.

“One running exercise we had to do was carry a several hundred pound ladder with an instructor sitting on top of it, wearing our full complement of bunker gear and an air pack. Your body feels that at the end of the day,” he added.

Aside from taking away the aches and pains of the rigorous daily training, Howell also took away something else.

“The greatest part for me was to see how becoming a firefighter is being taught,” Howell said. “I was able to witness the mindset, tools and the methods of what our new firefighters are learning. I received a front row seat at how these young firefighters are being training on-the-job and shared these experiences with them,” he added.

“I was afforded the benefit of seeing why we train the way we do” said Howell, “why we use the tools we do and why it's so important that we train as a team,” he added.

“This experience far exceeded my expectations and I am delighted that the Village took the initiative to send me,” Howell stated. “I am now better equipped to make decisions to do my job.”

“The Academy gave me a first hand opportunity to experience what the guys do on a daily basis,” said Howell. “I was able to see the physical challenges that their jobs demand.”

“I would do it again in a second — it was an incredible opportunity. I am very grateful to the Village Board for the chance to participate in the Academy. It's an experience I'll never forget.”