Western Illinois University Fire Science Majors Evaluated for Pro-Board Certification
Western Illinois University fire science majors, within the WIU School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA), recently underwent rigorous testing for Basic Firefighters and Hazardous Materials Operations Certifications as part of the Illinois Fire Service Institute’s (IFSI) Pro-Board Certification process.
During the Spring 2021 semester, freshman fire science students traveled to Quincy to participate in a six-week, hands-on program focusing 
on a range of active fire situations including exposure to live fire, drills, hose advancement, ladder deployment, search and rescue operations and firefighting scenarios.
“I was very impressed with the WIU students at the recent institute’s challenge exam. They were prepared, and their results shows the effort that your instructor’s and students put into the program,” noted Tim Romine, firefighting assistant and field staff instructor for the IFSI.
For over 40 years, Western has offered educational opportunities to firefighters from across the United States, first with its open learning fire services program in 1979 designed solely for fire professionals and later with distance learning degree and certification opportunities in fire administration. In Fall 2013, the University began offering a bachelor’s degree in fire protection services.
“My first year was rough as I got to campus during the pandemic, and everything was online. Now that I’m in the fire science practicum, I cannot wait to come back and take more classes so that I can one day be a firefighter,” said WIU Freshman Kevin Saar.
According to Jill Joline Myers, director of the WIU School of LEJA, the fire protection services program is dedicated to preparing its students to meet the challenges facing firefighters and fire service administrators in the delivery of public safety services.
“Our program features a comprehensive major with two separate and unique study options, including the fire administration program that is delivered online and designed for working firefighters seeking promotion to senior leadership positions, and the fire science option, with classes delivered on-campus in a traditional setting. The fire science option, which includes participation in the Quincy Regional Fire Experience and Pro-Board certification process is ideally suited for students preparing for a career in the fire service,” Myers said. “As indicated by Mr. Romine, our students are well-prepared for their career in fire protection. We are proud of the professionalism and skills they demonstrated at the recent IFSI program. We are preparing skilled firefighters for the future.”
Myers added to further enhance the program and the employability and marketability of WIU fire science students, beginning in Fall 2021, the School will offer a fire medic option, which allows students to receive a four-year bachelor’s degree in fire protection, as well basic paramedic training necessary for many fire positions.
“Our program is the only four-year educational program that meets all the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education Recognition Program (FESHE) standards and paramedic qualifications,” she noted. “The combination of FESHE and paramedic skills further enhances the fire program, and the addition of paramedic classes and paramedic licensure will assist and benefit other public entities, such as hospitals and ambulance services, as well as professionals who need certification or continuing education.
“And what sets WIU’s program apart from others is that Western’s curriculum was written by firefighters for firefighters,” Myers pointed out. “The program is based on national standards and addresses the real challenges faced by the fire service. LEJA’s fire services programs faculty are retired or current firefighters, and are former chief officers who have successfully blended education with real-world experience.”
In addition to the fire protection services major, a fire minor program is available to any WIU student. For more information on the bachelor’s degree or one of the fire protection minors, contact the School of LEJA at (309) 298-1038 or visit wiu.edu/coehs/leja/fire/index.php.
The School of Law Enforcement was established in 1969 and boasts more than 13,200 alumni around the globe, and nearly 2,000 students are currently enrolled as LEJA majors and/or minors. The School of LEJA currently offers three Bachelor of Science degrees: Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Fire Protection Services and Emergency Management, as well as a Master of Arts in Public Safety Administration.
