IFSI Retiring Director to be Honored at Reception

Richard Jaehne, who retires from the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) this month, will be honored at a ceremony on Friday, August 31 at 3:00 pm. The ceremony takes place at the Learning Resource and Research Center on IFSI’s training grounds at 11 Gerty Drive, Champaign.

Jaehne, who joined IFSI in 1997, will be joined by family and colleagues as he marks 15 years as Director for the institute.  Among his accomplishments, Jaehne has served on the Illinois Governor’s Terrorism Task Force and as Co-Chair of the Task Force’s Training Committee.  His public service also includes service on the Region V Regional Advisory Committee for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

Jaehne is past vice president of the North American Fire Training Directors and has served on a number of other advisory committees. Under his leadership, IFSI has built partnerships with public and private organizations around the state, country and the world. 

Earlier this year, Jaehne was honored by the University of Illinois with the Campus Award for Excellence in Public Engagement. Other recent honors include receiving the Trumpet Leadership award from the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association and the “Kenny Long” Leadership award from the Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts.

Director Jaehne will also be honored by the University at a reception and dinner on Thursday, August 30.

Royal Mortenson has been named as Jaehne’s successor.  Mortenson, a retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel, takes over on September 1.

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