Mission Statement of the Will-Cook-Grundy County Fire Investigation Task Force

The Will-Cook-Grundy County Fire Investigation Task Force is dedicated to providing comprehensive training, education, and investigative support to local municipalities in Will, Cook, and Grundy Counties. Our primary mission is to determine the origin and cause of large-loss fires, incidents involving multiple fire fatalities, and to offer manpower assistance to stricken jurisdictions.

Training Division

The Task Force Training Division delivers high-quality, innovative training that meets the standards established by the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Fire Personnel and Standards Arson Investigator re-certification program. By combining theoretical instruction with practical applications, we ensure that our members and associate members possess the advanced knowledge and skills necessary for effective fire investigations.

We also facilitate continuing education opportunities for fire and arson investigators, enabling them to meet the re-certification requirements of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) Program, and the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) certification program.

Operational Support

The Fire Investigation Task Force is a vital resource for participating Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Divisions and surrounding communities. Our unified command structure ensures effective collaboration among state, federal, and municipal agencies while preserving the jurisdictional authority of the requesting agency. By deploying highly qualified fire and arson investigators, specialized equipment, and necessary resources, we help determine the origin and causation of fires, bringing together the collective expertise of the region’s top investigators.

Mutual Aid and Community Support

The Task Force extends MABAS Mutual Aid to neighboring counties, as well as to local, state, and federal agencies, providing specialized support for fire and explosion investigations. Our proven success in identifying fire origins and causes, coupled with our role in prosecuting arson cases, underscores our commitment to combating arson and reducing accidental fires through fire prevention practices.

Since its inception, the Fire Investigation Task Force has remained an indispensable resource to the fire service, law enforcement, judicial systems, and communities we serve. We stand united in our mission to enhance public safety and bring justice through comprehensive fire investigation and prevention efforts.