Save The Date - Friday, March 26, 2010 - IPFA Pension Seminar

In addition to being northern regional administrator in the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), Matkaitis served for over three decades within the Chicago Fire Department, rising from paramedic to chief paramedic and later assistant deputy fire commissioner for emergency medical operations. Matkaitis has supervised numerous training programs for first responders and hazardous materials incidents.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the people of Illinois as the State Fire Marshal,”said Matkaitis. Mr. Matkaitis attended Northern Illinois University, he served in the United States Army for six years before being honorably discharged in 1975 and he is also a FAA-certified pilot. Larry is also a member of the Illinois Terrorism Task Force. In the summer of 2008, Larry served as Deputy Commander of the unified flood response command team.
 
By definition, the Fire Marshal is dedicated to protecting our wellbeing. Fire safety, investigation, prevention, boiler, fuel tank, and elevator inspection are all functions of OSFM.

The OSFM works together with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) and local departments to respond to man-made and natural emergencies. The agency also works closely with local fire departments to teach and regulate fire safety and prevention through inspections and setting personnel and education standards for Illinois fire fighters. In addition to coordinating arson investigations throughout the state, it collects data and analyzes trends, helping to better response times and procedures.

The OSFM, provides fire safety materials to schools at no cost. It coordinates the NFPA – “Illinois Remembering When” and the “Illinois Risk Watch” programs as well. It is a partner with the Illinois Fire Services Association in making the participation in the Illinois State Fair a success.