On January 11, 2017, the Dwight Fire Protection District underwent a comprehensive audit by the Illinois Department of Labor and OSHA. During the audit proceedings, DFPD administrative staff and an OSHA auditor met to review the department's operations, training, facilities, and equipment. If the auditor finds any major violations or determines that the department is non-compliant, IDOL/OSHA can fine the organization hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on the offense.

Each year, firefighters are required to receive training in the following areas:
• Initial Hazardous Materials Response Training 40 hours
• Annual Hazardous Materials Refresher Training 8 hours
• Initial Firefighter Training 240 hours
• Quarterly 4 part Respiratory Protection Training 64 hours
• Annual Blood-Borne Pathogen Training 8 hours
• Annual Radiation Emergency Response Training 4 hours
• Initial Driver/Operator Training 48 hours
• Annual Drivers Training 8 hours

The State of Illinois, OSHA, and Illinois Department of Labor require that each new firefighter, whether volunteer or paid, undergo over 370 hours of training in order to safely perform their duties and be certified. All existing firefighters must undergo nearly 100 hours of training just in the items listed above. That does not include regular department training activities. To meet these training mandates costs the DFPD $8,000-$10,000 per year. All of the training activities must be properly documented and provided to the inspector during the audit.

Department policies and procedures covering emergency operations and safety practices are evaluated to ensure that the organization is operating in a safe manner. In addition to policies, the auditor reviews all maintenance and inspection records for the fire apparatus, equipment and protective clothing, and fire station facility. Fire departments are required to have the following:

• Annual Fire Alarm System Test/Inspection
• Annual Service and Inspection of Air packs
• Annual Air Mask Testing
• Annual Air pack Cylinder Pressure Testing
• Annual Fire Apparatus Pump Testing
• Daily Fire Apparatus Vehicle Inspections
• Annual Fire Apparatus Safety Inspection
• Annual Fire Hose Maintenance and Testing
• Annual Fire Ladder Maintenance and Testing
• Quarterly Air Quality Testing of Air Systems in Station
• Annual Inspection of Firefighter Turnout Gear
• All Firefighter Turnout Gear to be Replaced after 8 years of use

In order to remain compliant in these areas, the department spends nearly $40,000 per year in maintenance and inspection costs. Turnout gear costs $3,500 per firefighter and the clothing must be replaced within a cycle of 8 years. This costs the department over $200,000.

At the end of the audit visit, the auditor inspected the fire station for electrical, fire, and trip hazards. There were several small items that the department needed to remedy which did not result in any fines. All items were either immediately remedied or are in the process of being brought into compliance.

The DFPD passed the audit and will continue to reevaluate the way we do operate in order to ensure that safety of our firefighters and the community as a whole.