THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2008
Figolah 'Fire Chief Of The Year'
The Illinois Fire Chiefs Association has selected Mt. Prospect Fire Chief Michael Figolah as its 2008 "Fire Chief of the Year". He will be honored at the organization's annual meeting on Friday, May 16 in Peoria.
Figolah was recognized for his "fire service accomplishments including public education and life-safety advancement, innovative and entrepreneurial efforts and accomplishments, education and scholastic achievements, significant public service performance and contributions to the Illinois Fire Service," according to the selection committee.
Figolah has been with the Mt. Prospect Fire Dept. since 1984, serving as chief since 1998.
Prior to Mt. Prospect, he served as a firefighter/paramedic and lieutenant with the West Dundee Fire Dept. In addition to his "exemplary service" in his day-to-day position, Figolah serves in many other leadership roles as well. Most notably, he has served as president of the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance (IFSA) since 1998.
Huntley Fire Chief Jim Saletta, who nominated Figolah for the award said, "During his (Figolah's) tenure as president, he has initiated many fire safety programs that impact the fire service locally, statewide and nationally."
On the state level, Figolah has played a role in statewide legislation efforts to limit the expanded sale of fireworks in Illinois and to require state licensure of fireworks pyrotechnicians. At the local level, Figolah has received acclaim for helping to create the "Mt. Prospect Safe Schools Committee and Standardized School Crisis Plan."
Figolah was "instrumental" in obtaining a $225,000 grant from the U.S. Dept. of Education to improve and strengthen school crisis plans and schools overall response to emergencies.
Because of the grant and Figolah's efforts, all 16 of Mt. Prospect's schools have adopted a standardized school crisis plan. By partnering with the schools, Figolah has provided the community with the tools necessary to prevent and better prepare for a wide range of emergency situations.
Mayor Irvana Wilks said, "On behalf of the entire Mt. Prospect Board of Trustees, we express our gratitude and appreciation to Chief Figolah and the contributions he has made to the community. We are very proud that he is part of our team."