Newsroom

Date:08/21/03

State Fire Marshal Spells Out Agenda for Agency

SPRINFIELD, IL, Aug. 21, 2003 - Public Safety and agency accountability are the top priorities of new State Fire Marshal Peter Via.

Appointed July 14, by Governor Rod Blagojevich, Via is the 22nd person to serve in the position and first Hispanic and minority in the agency's 94 year history. With nearly 17 years of experience with the fire service at almost every level, coupled with his experience as an internal affairs investigator, Via, 50, brings experiences that will enable him to make sure the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is accountable to the firefighting community, as well as the residents of Illinois.

While upholding the governor's pledge of reform and renewal, Via promises to carry out the agency's current programs while making a special prioritization of the following:

• Assessing a complete evaluation of the agency's needs.
• Increasing public safety through enhanced communication and technology with the fire service at large.
• Increase public safety through alternative ways for fire departments and protection districts to raise funds without increasing taxes.
• Continuing collaboration between state and federal agencies.
• Implementing new legislative mandates.
• Maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Additionally, Via added "The safety of the citizens of Illinois will always be paramount in our efforts at the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The Office of the State Fire Marshal will continue to play a lead role in the safety of Illinois firefighters. In partnership with other agencies through the Terrorism Task Force Committee, OSFM will ensure that the level of preparedness is at its utmost."

Via received his Associate Degree in Fire Technology from Triton College and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Administration from Southern Illinois University-Chicago Campus. Throughout his fire service career, Via has attained several state certifications including Firefighter I, II & III, Fire Engineer, and Arson Investigator. He spent 11 years with the Maywood Fire Department, working his way up from firefighter, to arson investigator, to lieutenant. Via also worked in the State Fire Marshal's office where he managed the Chicago office and coordinated several statewide programs.

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