Steve Malone of the Manhattan Fire Protection District in Illinois Named the 2016 Training Officer of the Year

SAN DIEGO – TargetSolutions, the leading provider of computer-based training management applications for public safety agencies, and the International Association of Fire Chief’s (IAFC) Volunteer & Combination Officers Section (VCOS) are excited to announce Deputy Chief Steve Malone of the Manhattan Fire Protection District (Ill.) as the 2016 Training Officer Recognition Award winner. Malone, 32, is scheduled to accept the award in August at Fire-Rescue International in San Antonio during a special ceremony for the IAFC’s VCOS members. This is the third year in a row TargetSolutions and the VCOS teamed up to present the award, which is designated each year for an individual who goes above and beyond to demonstrate innovation in firefighter training. “This is a huge honor,” said Malone, who was instrumental in the implementation and standardization of training programs for the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Division 19 (MABAS 19) in Illinois. “To see what determination and hard work can lead to is amazing. Without the support of my department, Chief and MABAS Division this would have been 10 times harder."

“I wasn’t looking for recognition, but to know what you’re doing is effecting positive change, not only in Manhattan, but across MABAS Division 19 and Illinois, is huge.” Steve Malone, Deputy Chief, Manhattan Fire Protection District (Ill.)

David Piper of Orland Fire Protection District is part of the MABAS Division 19 and he recognized the exceptional contribution put forth by his colleague Malone. “Deputy Chief Steve Malone exemplifies the position of training officer,” Piper wrote when nominating Malone. “Steve’s drive to ensure that all members of his organization as well as the members of surrounding communities are trained to the highest level are unprecedented. Steve has been a driving force to develop a training program that meets local, state and national requirements for his department.” The program Malone has installed, utilizing TargetSolutions’ online training management system, has been shared with surrounding departments and implemented across the MABAS Division 19. The regimen consists of lesson plans, job performance requirements, skill sheets, presentations and videos all delivered over a three-year period for all firefighter, engineer and officer positions within the area. “The program has spread to include departments throughout the state of Illinois,” Piper said. “The program has been adopted by many departments because it organizes training for organizations to ensure that their training program covers all the necessary components.” MABAS Division 19, which is made of 12 departments, is benefitting from Malone’s efforts. But Malone credits Piper for his help in assisting with the creation of the program that is scheduled, delivered and tracked with TargetSolutions. “We had a vision of developing a training program vs. just going out and doing training,” said Malone. “Training officers need to look at the direction they want to go and develop a true training program that is achievable. What we’re doing in our division is great because we’re standardizing things. To see the end result is rewarding and seeing how well everyone is doing is a testament to how the training program is going.” As the winner of the award, Malone will receive a trip to San Antonio for FRI, which is scheduled Aug. 17-20, including round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations, as well as a plaque commemorating the award. Capt. Chip Everett of Oshtemo Township Fire Department (Mich.) and Asst. Chief Brad Pinsky of Manlius Fire Department (N.Y.) won the prestigious award in 2014 and ’15, respectively. About TargetSolutions TargetSolutions delivers cutting-edge software applications, engaging online training courses, and world-class customer service. The company was founded in 1999 and today there are more than 4,000 organizations across the country using TargetSolutions’ innovative technology to solve their training challenges. For more information on TargetSolutions, check online at www.targetsolutions.com. About IAFC's VCOS VCOS provides chiefs and chief officers who manage volunteers within a volunteer or combination fire, rescue or EMS delivery system with information, education, services and representation to enhance their professionalism. For more information, check online at www.iafc.org/micrositeVCOSorg/.