Illinois Firefighters Awarded for Prevention Efforts

Three members of the Mount Prospect Fire Department were honored with the Special Recognition Award at the 73rd annual Fire Prevention Week Luncheon, hosted by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance in October.

The Special Recognition Award is given to individuals who have established a pattern of excellence through a fire safety or burn prevention program.

Fire and Life Safety educator James Miller, fire inspector Andy Skic and fire inspector Cory Pikora received the award due to their hard work, dedication and implementation of the Senior Smoke Alarm Program in Mount Prospect.

In 2013, the Mount Prospect Fire Department received a $23,540 FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety Grant. The grant was used to install 10-year battery life photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms in residents’ homes, age 65 and older, at no cost. At the end of the program over 1,400 smoke alarms were installed in nearly 400 homes.

“Jim, Andy and Cory were instrumental in making this program a reality,” said Fire Chief John Malcolm. “They each dedicated a significant number of hours, including nights and weekends, to complete installations and increased the overall awareness of fire safety in our community.”

While accepting the award, Miller, Skic and Pikora mentioned it was a great opportunity to get to know the community better while also helping to ensure the safety of residents.

“Some homes had alarms that were over 30 years old,” Skic said. “Some had none at all.”

More than 500 members from the fire service attended the luncheon in Woodridge. The day included an Our Lady of the Angels school survivor presentation and other fire safety awards.