08/26/2026
The Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) program continues to make a meaningful impact across Northwest Central Illinois by helping local communities build a stronger, more highly skilled emergency response workforce. Through training investments supported by BEST, Inc., the Cities of Ottawa and La Salle have leveraged IWT funds to advance the professional development of their firefighters by providing specialized paramedic training that leads to dual firefighter/paramedic certification.
For many municipal fire departments, particularly those serving rural and regional communities, the demand for dual-certified firefighter/paramedics continues to grow. These professionals are uniquely equipped to respond to both fire emergencies and critical medical incidents, providing communities with enhanced emergency response capabilities while increasing staffing flexibility for departments. The training supported through the IWT program helps firefighters gain nationally recognized paramedic credentials, creating a more versatile workforce capable of meeting the evolving needs of residents and visitors.
In La Salle, Incumbent Worker Training funds were used to reimburse tuition, fees, and training materials associated with paramedic education. The training curriculum covers comprehensive emergency medical services topics, including patient assessment, airway management, medical emergencies, pharmacology, communication, documentation, and hands-on clinical skills. This educational pathway will ultimately allow firefighters to achieve dual certification as firefighter/paramedics, strengthening the department's ability to deliver high-quality emergency services.
The City of Ottawa has similarly recognized the value of investing in incumbent workers through advanced emergency services training. By providing firefighters with opportunities to expand their certifications and skill sets, the city is building a stronger public safety workforce while creating career advancement opportunities for existing employees and new hires. These investments help ensure that local departments are prepared to respond effectively to increasingly complex emergency situations.
The benefits of dual certification extend far beyond the individual employee. Communities gain access to a broader range of emergency medical services, departments increase operational flexibility, and residents receive enhanced care when seconds matter most. The training also supports workforce retention by providing career pathways that encourage employees to continue developing their skills while remaining with their local departments. In addition, both Ottawa and La Salle have utilized Incumbent Worker Training funds to certify their new fire fighters through the nationally recognized training provided by the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute for basic and advanced firefighting, which builds on the dual certification capacity for both communities.
The success of these projects demonstrates how workforce development funding can directly improve public safety and community well-being. As Ottawa and La Salle continue to strengthen their emergency response teams through Incumbent Worker Training, other municipalities are taking notice of the positive outcomes.
Building on this momentum, the City of Princeton is now taking advantage of the same opportunity. During the upcoming fall firefighting training at the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute, New hires will participate in training designed to further develop the skills and certifications needed to meet the growing demands of today's emergency services environment. This continued expansion highlights the value of Incumbent Worker Training as an investment in both employees and the communities they serve.
Pictured are recent graduates from the IVCC Paramedic Program and/or the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute from La Salle and Ottawa Fire Departments.
