Names in the News

>> Delray Beach (FL) Fire-Rescue Captain JOE FALCONE received the Delray Beach Firefighter of the Year award for 2011. Falcone was the acting division chief of training for nearly all of 2011. Falcone was successful in hiring of the latest class of Delray Beach recruits. He was instrumental in the hiring process of six new hires and their subsequent training during their eight-week orientation. Falcone also helped implement a new computer aided dispatch and records management system. As division chief in training, Falcone oversees promotional exams, in-service training, and ordering/upkeep of bunker gear and uniforms.

>> HARRY SHAW died on March 2 at the age of 91. Shaw was a World War II veteran who served with the U.S. Army as a radar and communications expert. After the service and a career working with defense weapons systems, Shaw devoted himself to fire protection. He was the director of home fire prevention for the U.S. Fire Administration, where he set standards for home smoke detectors, remote alarm systems, and residential sprinkler systems. He later became a pioneer in the field of wildland fire protection. Shaw was also the CEO of Fail Safe Safety Systems Inc., where he was involved in developing a flame-retarding gel to aid firefighters in the spread of wildfires.

>> Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) Director RICHARD JAEHNE received the Campus Award for Excellence in Public Engagement (CAEPC), which recognizes University of Illinois (UI) faculty members, academic professionals, and students who engage the public to address critical societal issues. Since Jaehne joined IFSI, the number of student enrollments and public contacts has increased more than 200 percent. He has also led initiatives to engage UI departments for research, and engagement with several organizations in China and India. Under Jaehne’s leadership, the Learning Resource and Research Center was dedicated to bring the Institute’s library and research efforts under one roof. Jaehne announced earlier this year that he will retire in August 2012. www.fsi.illinois.edu.