July 6, 2016
Steve Malone of the Manhattan Fire Protection District in Illinois Named the 2016 Training Officer of the Year
Industry:
Solution:
“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/.
Related Resources
Out Now: 2025 RT-130 Wildland Fire Safety Refresher Series
April 15 2025
Measuring Readiness: Building a Foundation with Efficient Certification Testing
March 27 2025
NFPA Offers Free Distributed Energy Resources Training; Vector Solutions Partnering to Get it into Your Hands
March 26 2025