Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com:
A group of visitors from Indiana recently made a stop at the Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy (NIPSTA) in Glenview, a 21-acre facility that serves as a hub for training first responders. Run by an intergovernmental organization, NIPSTA brings together municipalities, fire protection districts, and other agencies to provide specialized instruction.
Jill Ramaker, who became executive director two years ago, had a clear vision: to transform NIPSTA into a more inclusive and comprehensive training center. “When I started here, about 70% of our programs were focused on fire services,†she explained. “I wanted to expand our scope to include all types of agencies involved in disaster response.â€
Over the past few years, NIPSTA has evolved into a multi-disciplinary training facility covering areas such as emergency health care, law enforcement, public works, and more. The academy now offers a wide range of programs tailored to meet the needs of modern-day emergencies.
Ramaker also prioritized integrating cutting-edge technology into their training. One of her most notable initiatives was the establishment of the Center for Disaster and Emergency Medicine. “There was a real gap in training after paramedic school,†she said. “We wanted to create a program that challenges people to sharpen their skills and become better professionals.â€
It’s not just about expanding the types of personnel trained at NIPSTA—it’s also about fostering collaboration between different agencies. “We bring together police, firefighters, medical teams, and others who would be involved in any kind of emergency,†Ramaker emphasized. “We believe that working together is essential for effective disaster response.â€
The academy is supported by nearly two dozen member communities, including Arlington Heights, Evanston, Skokie, and Deerfield. These groups help fund and guide the academy’s mission.
The Indiana delegation visited NIPSTA to learn how they could develop a similar training center in their own state. During their tour, they observed firefighters practicing vehicle extrication, saw a high-tech mobile ambulance, and toured the new Center for Disaster and Emergency Medicine. They also checked out training towers, a trench rescue area, and even an old commuter train used for rescue drills.
Inside, they witnessed law enforcement officers using virtual reality simulations—like responding to a domestic dispute that turns violent or a school shooting scenario. A driving simulator allowed trainees to practice handling emergency situations under various weather conditions.
Ramaker hired Tom Gaertner, a former Broadview Fire Chief, as deputy director shortly after taking over. Together, they manage a team of 450 instructors, many of whom are retired public safety professionals or work part-time with local agencies.
“We’re seeing a 35% increase in revenue compared to last year,†Ramaker noted. “That shows we’re growing fast and meeting a real need.â€
Looking ahead, NIPSTA plans to launch a Center for Crisis Leadership next year. The academy is also expanding its partnerships, including a new collaboration with Chicago. Public works staff can now train for snow removal, and NIPSTA is working with school districts to improve emergency preparedness. Even private industry employees can now access training programs.
“In today’s world, every sector is impacted by emergencies,†Ramaker said. “Our goal is to ensure that everyone—whether it’s a business, a school, or a community—is prepared.â€
“If someone reaches out and asks if we can help, we always say yes,†she added. “If we don’t have a program ready, we build one. We won’t turn anyone away because preparedness is a shared responsibility.â€
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