IFSI Recognizes Instructors for Outstanding Performance

The University of Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) recognizes instructors who exemplify quality instruction, student engagement, professional demeanor and knowledge base.  January is the third month that IFSI instructors has been chosen and are being recognized.
 
Kent Becker has been an instructor for IFSI since 2000 and is best known for teaching classes in fire prevention and investigation.  He has taught more than 50 classes for IFSI. Kent retired after 30 years in the fire service from the Aurora Fire Department.
 
Tim Bragg has been an instructor for IFSI since 2006 and is best known for his depth of knowledge and number of skillsets that he is qualified to teach – 65.  He has taught more than 300 classes for IFSI and coordinated an additional 100. His specialties are Command & General Staff and HazMat classes. Tim was an active-duty firefighter for more than 28 years and retired as Assistant Fire Chief for the Mattoon Fire Department in 2006.
 
Fred McClellan is also being recognized by the institute.  He has been an instructor for IFSI since 2009 and is best known for teaching classes in trench rescue and confined space.  Fred has taught more than 70 classes for IFSI. Fred has been serving the fire service since 1998 and is currently a Lieutenant with the Streator Fire Department.  “Students easily relate to Fred and his approach. Fred is down to earth, approachable and very enthusiastic about everything he teaches,” Ryan Reynolds, IFSI’s Confined Space Program Manager said.
 
“IFSI instructors are the finest in the state and nation. Their commitment to excellence is at the heart of our mission success to bring the finest training, education, research and information to the firefighters of Illinois,” Royal Mortenson, Director for IFSI said.
 
The institute will be recognizing instructors each month from nominations from field staff and leadership.
 
The Illinois Fire Service Institute is the statutory State Fire Academy for Illinois.  In addition to training provided at its Champaign campus, the Institute offers one-day hands-on classes for fire departments at Regional Training Centers and local fire stations across the State.  The mission of the Illinois Fire Service Institute is to help firefighters do their work through training, education, information and research.