Dan Krakora new Fire Science program manager at COD

After 20 years with the Darien/Woodridge Fire Protection District, Dan Krakora is turning his full attention to students to help them achieve their goal of becoming a firefighter, EMT or paramedic.

The Carol Stream resident is the new manager of the Fire Science program at College of DuPage, which offers two-year degrees in Fire Science Technology and Emergency Medical Services, as well as certificates in Fire Prevention, Firefighter, Fire Officer, Paramedic and Emergency Medical Technician.

In addition to managing and overseeing the EMS and Fire Science programs, Krakora also meets with students to discuss career paths, helps with the admissions process, works with area fire departments and hospitals, and looks for ways to improve and add to the curriculum.

“When I was going through college, I always knew that I wanted to be either a police officer or a firefighter,” he said. “I wasn't interested in sitting behind a desk for eight hours a day and doing the same thing over and over again. I really wanted a career where I could help people out when they needed it most.”

Krakora earned his bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Benedictine University and then completed his EMT certificate at College of DuPage. After working as a paid on-call volunteer for the Plainfield Ambulance Department, he was hired full-time by the Darien/Woodridge Fire Protection District.

In 1991, he returned to the EMT program at College of DuPage, first helping with practicals and then teaching. After recognizing the need for a class that would bridge the EMT and Paramedic programs, he wrote and developed the Paramedic Transition class, which gives EMTs a better understanding of what it takes to be a paramedic. Krakora also helped to develop the Trauma Patient Assessment class, which is part of the EMT curriculum.

After working as a lieutenant/EMS coordinator at Darien/Woodridge, Krakora knew the position at COD was an easy fit. With the opening this fall of the Homeland Security Education Center – which includes a 4,500 square-foot indoor street scene, smoke rooms, a fire and scaling tower and an ambulance for EMS training – he sees endless possibilities for the Fire Science program.

“The center provides students with a greater sense of what they can actually do in the field,” he said. “I can bring in new programs and update the existing ones. This building is providing us with tremendous opportunities, and the students are the ones who will benefit.”

For more information on the Fire Science program, call (630) 942-2107 or email krakora@cod.edu.