Team Members | Traning | Incidents | Team Update

Team Update

In late May 2007, Lieutenant John Lukancic was appointed as the new coordinator to the Joliet Fire Department Fire Investigation Team. Lieutenant Lukancic has been an Illinois State Fire Marshal recognized Fire Investigator since 2003, an Illinois State Fire Marshal recognized Arson Investigator since 2004, and has investigated over 100 fires in the City of Joliet.

The year 2007 saw numerous improvements including the addition of four new investigators, the development and implementation of standard operating procedures, the first joint training held with Lockport Fire Protection District, and the development and presentation of the 2008 budget.

The team welcomed Lieutenant John Koch, Apparatus Operator Michael Adelmann, Firefighter Matthew Thom and Firefighter Demmond Dorris to its ranks.

Standard operating procedures for the fire investigation team were implemented on August 1st. These were written with the input, aid, and guidance of the Fire Chief, the City of Joliet Legal Department, the City of Joliet Police Department, and the Will County State ’s Attorney’s Office. They consist of 12 written guidelines to make the team’s actions more uniform and efficient and are now being used in the field. They will be regularly reviewed and updated.

On December 10, 2007, the first joint Joliet/Lockport fire investigation team training was held at Joliet Fire Station 1. It gave the teams the opportunity to network for the first time and to communicate officially on common issues, incidents and problems in our respective communities. We look forward to working with them is the future.

Finally, the 2008 budget was prepared and presented to the Fire Chief for approval.

Plans for 2008

The fire investigation team will continue its mission in 2008. Among our plans is the completion of initial training for our newest two members, the finalization of a new, more user-friendly reporting system, using the record management system already in place within the fire department; the continued improved communication with the Joliet Police Department regarding arson cases; the first revision of the team standard operating procedures; further training with the Lockport Fire Protection District, further improvement and updating of equipment on our response vehicles; and, of course, the continued professional and efficient investigation of fires within the City of Joliet. We look forward to a successful, productive, and safe year.