This is
Hoffman
Estates?
In urban areas, creeks are an irreplaceable natural resource. Whether fl ow is continuous or intermittent, a creek provides water supply and groundwater recharge, wildlife habitat, a conduit for fl ood waters, and a host of aesthetic benefi ts. A creek is a part of the lives of the people and animals that live within its watershed. A watershed is the land area that drains into the creek, including storm-drain systems that carry rain-water and runoff from streets and property to the creek. The Village provides emergency and non-emergency tree removal and disposal within the creek banks. In 2006 and
2007, creek cleaning and tree removal took place along and adjacent to the creek in Parcel A.
Since most creek-side property is privately owned, a great deal of responsibility for the vitality of a creek lies with the property owner. While the property adjacent to a healthy creek has many benefi ts, a degraded creek causes more prob-lems for all upstream and downstream properties.
[continued on page 3]
April 2008
In this issue
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p6
News from the Village of Hoffman Estates
The Village of Hoffman Estates is now ac-cepting applications for those interested in testing for the position of police offi cer. Qualifi cations include:
Citizen of the United States High school graduate or equivalent
Eyesight corrected to 20/20, not affl icted with color blindness or any other eye abnormalities at the time of employment offer
Must have reached 21st birthday and be under the age of 35 at the time of the last date for fi ling applications (April 18)
Must have a valid driver’s license
As of Jan. 1, 2007, (new contract pending) the salary range for this position is from $51,859 to $73,912, plus other excellent ben-efi ts. Successful candidates with prior Illinois municipal police offi cer experience may be started higher than $51,859.
Applications are available as of 8 a.m. on March 31, and must be returned no later than 4 p.m. on April 18. A $20 processing fee is required when the application is picked up. Written and physical ability testing (includ-ing a 1-1/2 mile run) for all applicants will take place at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 17. The written exam will immediately follow •
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an orientation session. Those applicants who pass the written exam must then successfully complete a 1-1/2 mile run. The rest of the physical ability test will be given to those who pass the run.
Candidates may receive additional prefer-ence points if they have a college degree, prior military experience, prior law enforcement experience or if they are fl uent in a second language (including sign language). Applications may be picked up at and returned to:
Bruce C. Lind Police Complex Village of Hoffman Estates 1200 Gannon Drive Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
The return deadline is April 18 at 4 p.m. The Village of Hoffman Estates is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regard-ing employment.
For more information, contact Sgt. Jim Campbell at 847-781-2866, or [email protected].
The CITIZEN is published monthly by the Village of Hoffman Estates as a public information service for residents and businesses. Previous editions are available online at www.hoffmanestates.org. This publication may not be reprinted or reproduced as a whole or in part without written permission from the Hoffman Estates Village Manager. © 2008. All rights reserved.
Editor: Doug Schultz Telephone: 847-781-2609 [email protected] 2
Employment opportunity:
police offi cer examination
Law update – “Invitees Under 21”
With prom and graduation parties right around the corner, residents need to be aware of a recent change in the law that went into effect on Aug. 31, 2007. This change increases the charge from a “Class A misdemeanor” to a “Class 4 felony” when someone allows an invitee under 21 years of age to consume alcohol that results directly or indirectly in death or great bodily harm to any person.
A synopsis of Illinois Public Act 095-0563, Senate Bill 0158 follows:
“Provide that a parent or guardian is deemed to have knowingly permitted his or her residence to be used in violation of this Section if he or she knowingly authorizes, enables or permits consumption of alcohol by underage invitees. Provides that where a violation of the provision directly or indirectly results in great bodily harm or death to any person, the person violating the provision shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony. Provides that nothing in the provision shall be construed or prohibited the giving of alcoholic liquor to a person under the age of 21 years in the perfor-mance of a religious ceremony or service in observation of a religious holiday.”
3 Hoffman Estates Citizen • April 2008
Creek cleaning
[continued from cover]
Over a period of time, creeks and contributory channel areas accumulate deposits of dead wood and branches that have fallen into the creek. “Debris” refers to a wide range of blockage materials, including tree limbs and branches that accumulate naturally, or trash or yard waste inadvertently or intentionally dumped into the creek. Village crews respond to creek fl ow blockages on an emergency basis. There is a total of 5.69 miles of creek line to maintain within the Village.
The Village provides an annual inspection program and contractual assistance to clean creek areas at regular intervals. Contractual work consists of trimming, removal and disposal of tree limbs, branches and debris within the creek or channel bed, including any trees that have fallen into the creek, or are crossing the banks and blocking fl ow.
When caring for creeks, use creek-friendly gardening and landscaping practices. Yard waste must be disposed of properly – they must never be stored or placed near the creek. Soil and yard waste disposed in creeks become unsightly, destroy aquatic habitats and may worsen fl ooding problems. While they are biodegradable, organic waste uses oxygen that fi sh, aquatic insects and native plants need for survival. Sweeping or blowing leaves or lawn clippings into the street or storm drain is against Village Code. Yard waste must be properly disposed of using the curbside yard waste collection program.
Through proper care, property owners can prevent bank erosion and fl ooding.
Before creek cleaning (left), and after (right)
Building safety open house
In conjunction with “Coffee with the Board” on Saturday, April 19, the Code Enforcement Division will be available to answer questions on home improvement projects and property maintenance from 10 a.m. to noon at the Public Works Center, 2305 Pembroke Ave. Meet inspectors, pick up educational handouts and get answers to your building safety questions.
A message from Mayor McLeod
Several northwest suburban municipalities have recently explored the idea of seceding from Cook County to form a new entity called “Lincoln County.” I wanted to take this opportunity to explain this proposal, and address the stance of the Village of Hoffman Estates.
The idea of Lincoln County is not new. It was fi rst introduced in the late 1970s when suburban communities felt a bulk of their tax dollars were subsidizing programs for residents of Chicago. Since then, the Cook County Board of Commissioners made an effort to distribute its services equally. As a result, talk of a new county died out. However, with the passage of the 2008 Cook County Budget under Todd Stroger’s leadership, suburban cities and villages now have incredibly high sales tax rates. When combined with the regional transportation authority (RTA) tax, municipal sales tax and state sales tax, many communities, including Hoffman Estates, have seen their local sales tax rates skyrocket.
That being said, Village offi cials are hesitant to jump on the Lincoln County bandwagon. A petition “signed by a majority of the legal voters residing in the territory to be stricken from such counties,” or 50 percent plus one, is required to hold a referendum. Then, that referendum must be passed by a majority (again, 50 percent plus one) of all registered voters residing in the entire county. This, of course, is highly unlikely, as a majority of voters in the county reside in Chicago and would be unwilling to absorb the costs related to the loss of revenue from the suburbs. Further, the cost resulting from secession could be prohibitive as the communities that secede would still be required to pay for parts of Cook County’s debts, the costs associated with transferring records and legal proceedings, and funding the operations of the new county.
4
Community briefs
Tenth annual Village Improvement Day
To prepare our public opens spaces for more beautiful blooming and spring enjoyment, the Environmental Commission is sponsor-ing its tenth annual Village Improvement Day on Saturday, April 19 (rain date April 26), from 9 a.m. to noon. The Village has identifi ed various open spaces, parks and creek lines for cleanup activities. Environ-mental Commission members will be on hand to coordinate the work and assist volun-teers. Improvement Day work will be limited to litter collection. The Village will supply trash bags. This year’s event will start at the Public Works Center, 2305 Pembroke Ave., at 9 a.m. While quantities last, Envi-ronmental Commission members will be distributing T-shirts to participants upon arrival. Individuals, families and groups are all welcomed to join in the effort. All minors who participate must be accompanied by an adult. Call 847-490-6800 to sign up.
Get your antiques appraised
On Saturday, April 26, an antique generalist will be on hand to appraise your treasurers from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sunderlage Farmhouse. There is a fee of $7 per item, with a two-item limit per person. A reserva-tion is necessary for a specifi c appraisal time. Call 847-781-2606 for more information.
Welcome new businesses!
T&J Gawisori Hair Shop Hair salon 1059 N. Roselle Road Starbucks Coffee shop 2575 W. Golf Road Cares Day
Comcast’s annual companywide day of vol-unteer service in which tens of thousands of Comcast employees, along with their families and friends, volunteer in local communities will be held on Saturday, May 3. Comcast welcomes residents, service clubs and athletic teams to join them. This year, Comcast has partnered with the Village of Hoffman Estates to perform litter cleanup along creek lines and rights-of-way throughout the Village’s south subdivisions. For more infor-mation, call the Pubic Works Department at 847-490-6800.
Garage sales
Residents are reminded that they may hold a maximum of three garage sales per house-hold each year. Signs associated with garage sales may only be posted on private property. Code Enforcement offi cers will remove any signs that are attached to street signs, traffi c control devices or placed in the parkway. For more information, call 847-781-2631.
Yard waste collection resumes April 2
Grass clippings, plant material and leaves must be placed in a Kraft paper yard waste bag. Bags cannot exceed 50 pounds. Yard waste disposal stickers are required for each bag, and are available at local retail outlets. An annual subscription for unlimited yard waste pickup is available through Groot by calling 800-244-1977.
Code Enforcement hours
The Code Enforcement Division is normally open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to assist customers with their building and home improvement projects that require building permits and inspec-tions. Beginning Saturday, May 3, Code Enforcement will expand its service hours for the busy construction season to 8 p.m. on Monday nights, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. During these extended hours, resi-dents may apply for (or pickup) residential building permits, or have required inspec-tions performed. In observance of Memorial Day, there will be no Saturday inspections on May 24, and the Monday evening hours will be moved one day to Tuesday, May 27. These expanded hours end in September. For more information, contact Code Enforcement at 847-781-2631.
Have you ever wondered how lavishly the “other half” lived in 17th century France? Or how many rooms and gardens one palace can possibly have? If so, come and enjoy the remarkable experience that is the Palace of Versailles.
On Saturday, May 3, the Arts, Celebra-tions and Sister Cities Commissions invite you to join them in experiencing the won-der and beauty of the Palace of Versailles.
The Versailles program will be presented by Kathleen Murphy Skolnik, who holds an Master of Art degree in art history from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). She is a member of the adjunct faculty in the Department of Art History at Roosevelt University in Chicago, and is a past contributor to the Chicago tects Oral History Project of the Archi-tecture Department at the Art Institute of Chicago. She has also written articles for the Chicago Art Deco Society Magazine. Currently, she is collaborating with Dr. Robert Bruegmann of UIC on a book about the architecture of the late Chicago architect Harry Weese.
The program will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in room 105 at the Hoffman Estates Park District Community Center & Ice Arena, 1685 W. Higgins Road. The program is open to the community. Light refreshments will be served. Call
847-781-2606 for more information.
Destination:
Versailles
Hoffman Estates Citizen • April 2008
“Picture This!” youth photo contest
Health and Human Services is proud to present its fourth annual “Picture This!” youth photo contest. This year’s theme is, “Friendly, Green and Clean: Caring for Our Environment.” To enter, take a picture of an activity, event, scene, etc., that refl ects a concern about our environment. Next, answer the age-appropriate questions located in the “Picture This!” brochure. Brochures can be found at www.hoffmanestates.org, or they can be picked up at the Village Hall. Lastly, send in your photo and answers. The contest is open to all youth in grades K-12 who live or attend school in Hoffman Estates, or are the child, grandchild or under the guardianship of a Village employee.
Spring Luncheon for seniors
The Commission for Senior Citizens invites you to attend its annual Spring Luncheon on Wednesday, April 30, at noon. Seating begins at 11:30 a.m. This year’s event will take place at the Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. To register, call 847-781-2606.
Child immunization clinics
Health and Human Services offers two monthly child immunization clinics. The cost is $5 per shot for residents of the Village of Hoffman Estates, Village of Schaumburg and Hanover Town-ship; $7 for all other communities (cash, check or AllKids only please!). The clinics are intended for children who are underinsured (health insurance does not cover immunizations) or do not have health insurance. Shot records are required for children to receive an immunization.
Children’s Clinic
(ages two months to 18 years) All communities welcome Hoffman Estates Park District Community Center & Ice Arena
1685 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates* Dates: April 7 and May 5
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
*Please note location change
Hoffman Baby Clinic
(ages two months to kindergarten) Hoffman Estates residents only Village Hall main entrance
1900 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates Dates: April 8 and May 14*
Time: Appointments are required
*The May clinic occurs on a Wednesday Clinic schedules are available online! Visit www.hoffmanestates.org/government/ departments-hhs.shtml.
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Adult health clinics
Health and Human Services provides free testing for blood pressure, diabetes and hemoglobin. Total cholesterol is provided for $6. No appointments are necessary. For best results, do not eat four hours before the diabetes test.
Schaumburg Barn
231 Civic Drive, Schaumburg Dates: April 2 & 16 and May 7 &21 Time: 9:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. (Note: the cholesterol test is
not available at the Schaumburg Barn) Hoffman Estates Village Hall main entrance 1900 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates Dates: April 9 and May 14
Time: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Schaumburg Township 1 Illinois Blvd., Hoffman Estates Date: April 17 and May 15 Time: noon to 1 p.m. Hoffman Estates Park District Community Center & Ice Arena 1685 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates Date: April 21 and May 19
Time: 11 a.m. to noon
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Hoffman Estates Citizen • April 2008
Healthy body, healthy mind ...
news from Health and Human Services
5
By Bev Romanoff
Hoffman Estates Village Clerk
Clerk’s corner
Just a reminder: you need to renew your pet’s license by May 1. If your pet is six months or older, it needs to be licensed through the Village. Pet tags are available for $5 each, or $2 for senior citizens. Tags may be purchased at the Village Hall during regular business hours.
Contact the Village Clerk’s offi ce at 847-781-2625, or e-mail the Clerk at [email protected].
National Autism Awareness Month
Grinding off top layer of asphalt on Lombardy Lane
Resurfacing asphalt on Gannon Drive
6 Hoffman Estates Citizen • April 2008
2008 street
rehabilitation project
The Transportation and Engineering Division has identifi ed the Hoffman Estates streets slated for resurfacing in 2008. Based on the lowest qualifi ed bid for street work received in April, some streets will also be reconstructed. These locations will be deter-mined by the available budget. Residents will be notifi ed in advance of the start of work. Resurfacing may include four to fi ve days with no access to private driveways. Recon-struction, on the other hand, involves the complete removal of the street, during which access to private driveways is not possible for three to four weeks. The difference between resurfacing and reconstruction depends on the condition of the roadway. In either case, a new street is the end result.
The total estimated budget for 2008 Village roadwork is $2.21 million. These infrastruc-ture investments will benefi t residents by improving neighborhoods with a safe, cost-effective pavement system for years to come. While construction is scheduled to start in May, street improvements will be staggered throughout the summer to minimize driver inconvenience. Information packets will be mailed to all residents living on those streets being rehabilitated.
An open house meeting will be scheduled in April at the Village Hall. More information will be provided in the information packet.
Visit www.hoffmanestates.org for weekly updates on the street project. If you have questions, call 847-252-5800, or e-mail [email protected].
Resurfacing streets:
Audubon Street from Thacker Street to Aberdeen Street
Bluebonnet Lane from Ash Road to 400 feet east of Ash Road
Chesapeake Drive from Freeman Road (W) to Freeman Road (E)
Dixon Drive from Dixon Court to Freeman Road Governors Lane from Higgins Road (W) to Higgins Road (E)
Grand Canyon Parkway from Bode Road to Higgins Road
Jade Lane from Olmstead Drive to Diamond Drive
Jamison Lane from Ashley Road to Hampton Road
Leatherleaf Court from Leatherleaf Lane to end of the street
New Britton Drive from Freeman Road to Victoria Drive
Oak Knoll Lane from Cottonwood Trail to Pebblewood Lane
Park Lane from Freeman Road to end of the street
Pratum Avenue from Trillium Boulevard to Prairie Stone Parkway
Raleigh Place from Governors Lane to Kensington Lane
Silver Pine Drive from Tamarack Drive to Thornbark Drive
Thacker Street (E) from Ashland Street to end of the street
Victoria Drive from Freeman Road to New Britton Drive
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Growing to
Growing to
Greenness!
Greenness!
School District 54 hosts electronics recycling event
Do your part to keep electronic waste, which is dangerous to our health and our environment, out of local landfi lls. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, you can bring your old electronics to School District 54’s main offi ce,
524 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg, to be recycled.
Items accepted include personal com-puters and laptops, printers, calcula-tors, DVD players and VCRs, stereo systems, telephones and cell phones, pagers, cameras, video game players, and copy machines.
Unacceptable items include televi-sions, air conditioners, refrigerators, appliances, fi re extinguishers and regular garbage.
Recycling conserves natural resourc-es, reduces pollution, creates jobs and creates new parts used to refurbish older computers.
All items will be collected by Midwest Technology Recyclers. For more information, visit
www.midwesttechrecyclers.com.
Clarifi cation
Tuesday, April 1
Cultural Awareness Commission, 7:15 p.m. at VH Wednesday, April 2
Police Explorers, 3 p.m. at PD
Museum Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Sunderlage Farm Saturday, April 5
Fire and Police Commission, 8 a.m. at PD *Sunday, April 6
Veteran’s Flag 76: Bruce C. Lind, Navy, 1952-1960 Monday, April 7
Children’s Clinic, 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at PDCC Village Board Meeting, 8 p.m. at VH
Tuesday, April 8
Hoffman Baby Clinic, 10 a.m. to noon at VH Commission for Senior Citizens, 5:30 p.m. at VH
Historical Sites Commission, 5:30 p.m. at Sunderlage Farm Emergency Service and Disaster Agency (ESDA),
7:30 p.m. at Moon Lake Fire Station Zoning Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at VH Wednesday, April 9
Community Health Clinic, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at VH *Sunday, April 13
Veteran’s Flag 77: Lawrence H. Orvis, USAF, 1955-1977 Monday, April 14 50th Anniversary Commission, 6 p.m. at VH Utility Commission, 6:30 p.m. at PWC Wednesday, April 16 Police Explorers, 3 p.m. at PD Peer Jury, 7 p.m. at PD
Smoking Cessation Class, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at VH Plan Commission, 8 p.m. at VH
Thursday, April 17
Commission for Disabled Citizens, 6 p.m. at VH Youth Commission, 6 p.m. at VH
Fourth of July Commission, 7:30 p.m. at VH Saturday, April 19
Village Improvement Day, 9 a.m. to noon at PWC Coffee with the Board, 10 a.m. at PWC *Sunday, April 20
Veteran’s Flag 78: Ray Martini, Army, 1973-1976 Tuesday, April 22
Tuberculosis (TB) Mobile Clinic, 8:30 a.m. to noon at VH Sister Cities Commission, 7 p.m. at PWC
Village Board Meeting, 8 p.m. at VH Wednesday, April 23
Celebrations Commission, 5:30 p.m. at VH Arts Commission, 7 p.m. at PDCC Environmental Commission, 7 p.m. at PWC Smoking Cessation Class, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at VH Zoning Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at VH Thursday, April 24
Liquor Servers Training, 7 p.m. at PD • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Friday, April 25
Tuberculosis (TB) Mobile Clinic, 8:30 a.m. to noon at VH Saturday, April 26
Antique Appraisals, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Sunderlage Farm *Sunday, April 27
Veteran’s Flag 79: Carleton W. Fish, USAF, Vietnam Monday, April 28
Children’s Memorial Commission, 6 p.m. at VH Wednesday, April 30
Spring Luncheon, noon at Schaumburg Library Smoking Cessation Class, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at VH
Village Board Meetings are held on the fi rst and third Monday of each month at 8 p.m. in the VH Board Room, unless otherwise noted.
The Transportation and Road Improvement; Plan-ning, Building and Zoning; and General Administra-tion and Personnel Committees meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the VH Board Room, unless otherwise noted.
The Finance; Public Works and Utilities; and Public Health and Safety Committees meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the VH Board Room, unless otherwise noted.
VH: Village Hall, 1900 Hassell Road PD: Police Department, 1200 Gannon Drive PWC: Public Works Center, 2305 Pembroke Ave. PDCC: Park District Community Center & Ice Arena, 1685 W. Higgins Road
Sears Centre Arena upcoming events Friday, April 4
Chicago Slaughter vs. Miami Valley Silverbacks, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5
Chicago Shamrox vs. Philadelphia Wings, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 11 and 12
Dare 2 Share’s Survive Youth Ministry
Training Conference Tour, 7 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. Friday, April 18
The Rowdy Frynds Tour,
with Lynyrd Skynyrd and Hank Williams, Jr., 7 p.m. Saturday, April 19
Chicago Slaughter vs. Milwaukee Bonecrushers, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26
Chicago Shamrox vs. Minnesota Swarm, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5
Rod Stewart, with Bryan Adams, 7:30 p.m. • • • • • • • • • • • • • 7 Hoffman Estates Citizen • April 2008
April
calendar
* The fl ag rotation ceremony is held at the Veterans’ Memorial every Sunday at 1 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Those wishing to make a donation for the perpetual mainte-nance of the Memorial may do so at the Village Hall, or by mailing a check to the Veterans’ Memorial c/o the Village of Hoffman Estates, 1900 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169. The casket fl ags of deceased veterans listed on the calendar above will be fl ying at the Veterans’ Memorial in the coming month. The Veterans’ Memorial is located outside the Hoffman Estates Police Department at 1200 Gannon Drive, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169.
The Village of Hoffman Estates
1900 Hassell RoadHoffman Estates, IL 60169 www.hoffmanestates.org
Fire chief retires
after 28 years
ECRWSS
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Hoffman Estates, IL
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 24 Schaumburg, ILImportant phone numbers
Main . . . .847-882-9100 Police and Fire . . . .9-1-1
Police Administration . . . .847-882-1818 Fire Administration . . . .847-843-4825 Public Works . . . .847-490-6800 Health and Human Services . . . .847-781-4850 Event Hotline . . . .847-252-5443
Village offi cials
Mayor William D. McLeod Trustees Karen V. Mills Cary J. Collins Raymond M. Kincaid Jacquelyn Green Anna Newell Gary J. Pilafas Village Clerk Bev Romanoff Village Manager James H. Norris
Municipal facilities
Village Hall 1900 Hassell Road Hours: Monday, 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. – noon
Bruce C. Lind Police Complex 1200 Gannon Drive
Fire Administration 1900 Hassell Road
Fire Station 21 — Carl W. Selke 225 Flagstaff Lane
Fire Station 22 — Michael J. O’Malley 1700 Moon Lake Blvd.
Fire Station 23 — Richard G. Cordova 1300 Westbury Drive
Fire Station 24 — Jerome Danowski 2601 Pratum Ave.
Public Works Center 2305 Pembroke Ave.
Hoffman Estates Citizen • April 2008 With almost 30 years of dedicated service,
Hoffman Estates Fire Chief Kevin Rynders stepped down from the top post on March 3. Deputy Chief Bob Gorvett will serve as acting chief until a fulltime replacement is determined. Kevin was hired by the fi re department on July 23, 1979. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1983, captain in 1998, battalion chief in
2002 and, fi nally, fi re chief in 2004. He became the fi rst internally promoted fi re chief in 20 years. In 1981, Kevin instituted the school fi re safety educa-tion curriculum, which is still in use today. This includes fi re escape plans, recognizing hazards in the home and informa-tion about smoke detec-tors. This program also established a relationship
between the department and every child that passes through a Hoffman Estates grade school.
When he served as the department’s training offi cer, Kevin introduced the “live burn” training concept to the department, which puts fi refi ghters in a hazardous, yet controlled, atmosphere.
Kevin’s service and dedica-tion will be missed.
Kevin Rynders teaches fi re safety as a