2022 - Brian Thompson recognized by the Illinois Society of Fire Service Instructors

Elgin Community College is proud to announce that Brian Thompson, emergency services adjunct faculty, received the 2021 Instructor of the Year award from the Illinois Society of Fire Service Instructors.

Thompson has been an instructor of fire science and safety at ECC since 1998 and also serves as the emergency services instructional coordinator. He has been in the fire service since 1992. He currently works for the Sycamore Fire Department.

“Brian thrives on helping others achieve their dreams in the fire service,” said Chief John Fahy, senior director of academic programming and public safety training at ECC’s Center for Emergency Services in Burlington. “Whether it’s a new recruit, a young firefighter, or a seasoned veteran Brian is willing to help educate, train, instruct and lead all to a better and safer future. Having one of our instructors receive this prestigious award is special.”

Thompson is currently finishing his doctorate in organizational leadership from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where his dissertation is on mental health and wellness in the firefighting community.

“I'm extremely honored and humbled to receive an award as prestigious as this," said Thompson. "To be in the same company of instructors that have influenced the Illinois fire service is surreal. I hope I can pass the same feeling and honor onto the new instructors.  I couldn't have made it without the mentors I had along the way, from the Fire Science and Safety cadre at ECC, Sycamore FD, Illinois Society of Fire Service Instructors, and especially my wife and kids."

A fixture in the Illinois Fire Service Instructor field for more than a decade, Thompson currently serves as President of the Illinois Society of Fire Service Instructors. The society’s mission is to provide quality educational resources and information to those responsible for training and educating the fire service community through programs, member services, and networking opportunities that improve the emergency service response community’s knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Learn more about ECC’s Fire Science and Safety program and other emergency services programs at elgin.edu/emergencyservices.