Annual Conference | Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts

IT's Time To Get it Done! June 11 - 13, 2026 Embassy Suties Riverfront Conference Center, East Peoria, IL

OPENING SESSION - REFLECTIONS FROM THE FRONT LINE - FRIDAY, JUNE 12

The opening session will pay tribute to a tragic day that profoundly affected our nation 25 years ago, the City of New York, and forever changed the landscape of the fire service. This session features an interactive, talk-show–style discussion with fire service leaders who confronted unprecedented challenges during and in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. The panelists will be drawing on firsthand experience and will reflect on leadership under crisis, lessons learned, and how those experiences continue to shape the fire service today.

MICHAEL M. DUGAN, a 42-year veteran of the fire service, is also a 27-year member of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), where he retired as the captain of Ladder Company 123. As a lieutenant, he served in Ladder Company 42 in the South Bronx and was a firefighter on Ladder 43. He is a member of the FDIC International and Fire Engineering advisory boards and is a proud recipient of the 2020 Tom Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award.

DEPUTY CHIEF GEORGE K. HEALY is currently a deputy chief with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), assigned to Division 13 in South Queens. He began his career with the FDNY in April of 1991, where he worked his way through the ranks to his current position. He is an instructor for the FDNY's Battalion Chief Command Course, the Deputy Chief Development Course, and Chiefs Education Day. George is an inaugural member of the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, advisory board. Currently a deputy chief with the FDNY, George utilizes FSRI’s fire safety research every day.

CHIEF JAMES M. GRADY III retired after 40+ years with Frankfort Fire Protection District and 29 years as Chief who started as a proud volunteer. He is the former Executive Director of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association and holds a master’s degree in public administration with numerous state and national certifications. He served as a field instructor with VCOS Beyond Hoses & Helmets, and with the Illinois Fire Service Institute and several community colleges and universities. He is a longstanding member of the Illinois Firefighters Medal of Honor Committee & Foundation and the IAFPD.

Essential Trustee Training

Essential Trustee Training (ETT)

This comprehensive 12-hour program is presented in three parts and provides a complete curriculum covering the administrative duties and legal responsibilities of Fire Protection District Boards of Trustees. Read more about the Essential Trustee Training program.

Registration is required! Make sure you select the correct registration if you are planning to attend.

image with text promoting Essential Trustee Training June 11 - 13 at the 81st Annual Conference Click for more information about ETT

ATTENTION: QUILTERS, NEEDLEWORKERS, AND CRAFTERS

GUEST PROGRAM Project at the 2026 IAFPD ANNUAL CONFERENCE

This year, during the 2026 IAFPD Conference, the auxiliary is planning a special event for quilters, sewers, and crafters. We are going to have a room just for putting together your special quilt or sewing project while the trustees and firefighters are in their classes. If you have a craft project to put together, bring it too. Our room will have tables and power cords to provide ample space for working on your project. Bring your own machine and whatever else you need. The room will be secure at night. We will also have water, drinks, and snacks available for you while we work.

• Does your department have T-shirts with your department name on them? Wouldn’t it be fabulous if we put together a T-shirt quilt with all IAFPD member shirts? Can we get
enough shirts to make a quilt?
• We will have Pellon available and a heated platen to bond it to the back of the shirt.
• We’ll cut the shirts to a 12 ½” square. Make sure that the name fits in the 12” square. Note: the ½” is seam allowance.

Photo: Vienna IL FD Auxiliary Facebook

Trustees’ Service Recognition Award  Recognizes individuals who have served in good standing as a fire protection district trustee of an IAFPD member district for 12, 30 or 42+ years (based on appointed or elected terms)  Any member of IAFPD may submit a nomination for this recognition award Trustees’ Outstanding Service Award  Awards a nominated fire protection district trustee (past or present) for outstanding service to the IAFPD, a particular fire protection district, or the Illinois Fire Service  Any member of the IAFPD may submit a nomination for this recognition award, but self nominations are not accepted Association Outstanding Service Award  Awards a nominated individual affiliated (present or past) with the Illinois Fire Service for outstanding service to the IAFPD, a fire protection district, or to the Illinois Fire Service The following guidelines apply to this award:  Nominee must have made a significant contribution to the IAFPD, fire protection, prevention, or safety or to the Illinois Fire Service

Download the

Trustees' Years of Service Nomination Form

Download the

Outstanding Service Nomination Form

The Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts Foundation Scholarship Committee announces that applications are now open to assist Association trustee members who wish to attend the Annual Conference but face financial constraints.

The program aims to promote education for elected and appointed trustees, provide networking opportunities with peers, and offer access to experts in fire service resources, specialty services, and equipment.

The Foundation’s Trustee Scholarship may award up to $500 per recipient, supporting up to 20 qualified fire protection district trustees. Some restrictions apply, and all applications will be considered.

Download the application here.