ECC’s Fire Science Program to Implement Electric Vehicle Teaching

Elgin Community College (ECC) will introduce electric vehicle training into its Fire Science program beginning spring 2026, thanks to funding from the RevUp Electric Vehicle (EV) Community College Initiative grant.  

In early 2025, ECC was awarded an initial $90,000 RevUp EV grant, followed by another $295,794 continuation grant announced in summer 2025. The funding supports the integration of EV technology into public safety training. 

ECC will provide this instruction for incumbent firefighters at the Center for Emergency Services at the Burlington campus. Firefighters will receive hands-on instruction focused on EV hazard identification, vehicle extrication, and fire suppression tactics involving electric vehicles, according to ECC’s Senior Director of Academic Programming and Public Safety Training, Ronald Two Bulls. 

“We’ll introduce firefighters to the world of electric vehicles regarding hazard identification, so they’ll know what they can and can’t touch on a vehicle that is not involved in a fire,” Two Bulls said. “Especially in a car accident or vehicle extrication situation, [as well as] how to best perform extinguishment and tactics, and strategies regarding electric vehicles when they are on fire.” 

As part of the training, firefighters will also learn how to safely operate around EV charging stations, which have been installed at the Burlington campus. Instruction will cover safety limitations, response protocols, and appropriate extinguishment methods related to charging infrastructure. 

The college purchased four electric vehicles for instructional use, including a Ford F-150 and a Chevy EV. Beyond fire science, the EVs will support faculty as they evaluate potential enhancements to hands-on instruction across multiple programs such as energy management and advanced manufacturing.    

The initial grants were also used to acquire equipment for EV high-voltage battery trainers and high-voltage EV workstations.  

“Our intentions with the EVs are to expand our capacity to create course offerings in partnership with our workforce development and continuing education departments,” said Cathy Taylor, PhD, dean of sustainability, business and career technologies. “The demand for high-wage jobs in this industry continues to evolve. We want to ensure that our first responders and our community can build skill sets to meet today’s workforce demands.”  

The RevUp EV initiative is part of a statewide effort to expand EV infrastructure and workforce capacity in Illinois, ensuring students and first responders are prepared to safely work with rapidly evolving vehicle technologies.