The University of Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) recognizes instructors who exemplify quality instruction, student engagement, professional demeanor and knowledge base. Joe Jay is IFSI’s August Instructor of the Month.
Joe has worked with IFSI since 1998. He has taught more than 240 classes since 2001 and coordinated an additional 53 classes since 1999. Joe is a regular instructor for Firefighter Academy and Fire College and developed the 24-hour firefighter recruit class that is now part of the annual Fire College. He adapted the program to closely meet the needs of less experienced firefighters and works closely with instructional staff to deliver the program so that each new firefighter goes back to their department ready to work.
Joy Jay began his fire service career in 1986 as an Explorer with the Champaign Explorer Post and as a volunteer on the Corn Belt Fire Protection District in Mahomet, IL. He worked with Pro Ambulance in Champaign, IL before moving to serve on the New Lenox Fire Department and later the Kankakee Fire Department. Joe is now part of the Bolingbrook Fire Department where he serves as a firefighter and paramedic. Joe has been with Bolingbrook since 2002. Joe holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University.
“Teaching firefighters is my passion. I was first hired by Dave Clark and Doc Eskridge in the late 1990s and since then it has been my privilege and honor to help other firefighters refine and enhance their skills. IFSI has created long-term friendships and colleagues for me and I am still fascinated by all we can do,” Joe said.
Joe is originally from Mahomet, IL and now lives in Joliet with his wife and two daughters.
“IFSI instructors are the finest in the state and nation and Joe is no exception. His commitment to excellence is at the heart of our mission success to bring the finest training, education, research and information to the firefighters of Illinois,” Royal Mortenson, Director for IFSI said.
The Illinois Fire Service Institute is the statutory State Fire Academy for Illinois. In addition to training provided at its Champaign campus, the Institute offers one-day hands-on classes for fire departments at Regional Training Centers and local fire stations across the State. The mission of the Illinois Fire Service Institute is to help firefighters do their work through training, education, information and research.
For more information about the Institute, call 217-333-3800.
