Hoffman Estates, NWSRA celebrate first "Fully Involved Fire Academy" graduation for people with disabilities

Hoffman Estates firefighters and the Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) on Saturday celebrated the first graduating class of the "Fully Involved Fire Academy," a six‑week program that gave people with disabilities hands‑on training in fire safety, vehicle extrication and basic emergency medical response.

"This is a great program that was put together by our fire department," Mayor Bill McLeod said, praising Lieutenant Kurt Lichtenberg and NWSRA for creating what he called an invaluable educational experience. "The department has been welcoming and inclusive, and it's really allowed our participants to build a meaningful rapport with the firefighters," Katie, a representative of the Northwest Special Recreation Association, said.

Organizers said they searched for similar programs nationally and internationally and found none, prompting the Hoffman Estates Fire Department and NWSRA to build a curriculum tailored to participants' needs. The six‑week academy included an orientation, vehicle familiarization and rides on engines and the brush truck; an extrication day where participants used hydraulic tools and performed lifting exercises; a water‑and‑hose day with hydrant and deck‑gun practice; an EMS and first‑aid session with a dollhouse demonstration to show fire spread; and forcible‑entry and search‑and‑rescue training that culminated in a final practical exercise.

Lieutenant Kurt Lichtenberg and department instructors read certificates and recognized participants one by one during the ceremony. Instructors praised students for their energy, persistence and teamwork. The program also involved families and village leadership; organizers thanked trustees Anna Newell, Karen Arnett and Gary Stanton for support and funding.

Several instructors noted moments that illustrated the program's goals: one parent signed a participant up the night she met firefighters at a block party, organizers said; another participant was singled out for consistently asking questions that expanded the curriculum; others were recognized for leadership, logistics support and steady attendance.

Organizers said the program aims to increase safety, build confidence and strengthen relationships between people with disabilities and first responders. There were no formal votes or policy actions at the event. Organizers said they plan to run the program again and will announce details about next year's sessions.

Names read at the ceremony included Alan, Daniel, David, Disha, Ed, Emma, Griff, Gigi, Jack, JJ, Kyle, Matt, Nick, Theo, Noah, Ryan C., Ryan Mogg, Samuel, Sam Alama, Selena, Zach Zambito and others.