About NIAFPD
Our membership is composed of fire protection district trustees, chiefs, officers, and administrative professionals dedicated to advancing the effectiveness and integrity of fire protection services. Associate membership is open to organizations, companies, and individuals who support or are involved in the fire service industry. All active members enjoy full voting privileges and are encouraged to participate in the various committees that help guide the Alliance’s initiatives. Current committees include Legislative, Education, Membership, Conference Planning, and Communications.
The Northern Illinois Alliance of Fire Protection Districts (NIAFPD) is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership. The Board is composed of a President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and Director members. Director members actively serve on a variety of committees, ensuring that the Alliance remains responsive to the needs of its members and the fire service community. The Past President serves as an advisor for one year, providing continuity and guidance to the Board’s ongoing initiatives.
As a member of NIAFPD, your ideas, participation, and feedback are both welcomed and essential. Board members are always available to answer questions, address concerns, and support member engagement. If you’re not yet a member, we invite you to join and become part of an organization dedicated to advancing fire protection leadership, education, and advocacy throughout Northern Illinois.
Consider the many ways NIAFPD membership can serve you and your district:
- Educational Programs: Access to specialized training, seminars, and workshops designed to enhance leadership, governance, and operational effectiveness within fire protection districts.
- Legislative Advocacy: Stay informed and represented on issues that impact fire district governance, funding, and service delivery at the state level.
- Networking and Collaboration: Connect with trustees, chiefs, and professionals from across the region to share best practices and strengthen inter-district cooperation.
- Annual Conference: Participate in the NIAFPD Annual Conference, offering valuable sessions, continuing education opportunities, and industry updates.
Fire protection professionals face ever-evolving challenges, and the strength of our organization depends on the involvement of its members. Your engagement ensures that NIAFPD continues to protect, educate, and empower the fire service community across Northern Illinois.
John Perry
By‑Laws
- Bonnie Bayser – Past President
- Autumn Sheppard – Carpentersville Countryside FPD
- Gina Degleffetti – Executive Director
Education
- Gina Degleffetti – Executive Director
- Stephanie Mitchell – Homer Twp FPD
Legislative
- Liz Brown‑Reeves – Lobbyist
- Samantha Brill – Lobbyist
- Brian Bernardoni – Roberts Park FPD
- Gina Degleffetti – Executive Director
Nominating
- Ellen Dimock – Grayslake FPD
- Christopher Kunze – Itasca FPD
- Bonnie Bayser – Past President
Conference
- Gina Degleffetti – Executive Director
- Michelle Buhr – Ottosen DiNolfo
- Karl Ottosen – Ottosen DiNolfo
- Shawn Flaherty – Ottosen DiNolfo
- Ellen Dimock – President / Grayslake FPD
- Dick Swanson – Associate Member
- Jack Schneidwind – Itasca FPD
- Ray Larson – Deerfield‑Bannockburn FPD
- Bonnie Bayser – Past President
- Brian Bernardoni – Roberts Park FPD
- Autumn Sheppard – Carpentersville Countryside FPD
- Joan Koriath – Itasca FPD
Mission & Purpose
The Northern Illinois Alliance of Fire Protection Districts (NIAFPD) is dedicated to promoting excellence, collaboration, and unity among fire protection districts throughout northern Illinois. The Alliance serves as a central resource for education, information exchange, and legislative advocacy-empowering districts to enhance their operational effectiveness and service to the public.
Through educational programs, regional cooperation, and the development of shared resources, NIAFPD supports its members in fulfilling their statutory responsibilities and strengthening fire protection, prevention, rescue, and emergency medical services. The Alliance also provides a unified platform for members to express collective positions on political, economic, and social matters that affect the safety and well-being of their communities.
History
Articles of Incorporation for the Northern Illinois Alliance of Fire Protection Districts were approved on April 6, 1989 with the Illinois Secretary of State. Since then, the Alliance has served as the unified voice for Fire Protection Districts throughout Northern Illinois.
Contact
P.O. Box 2408 • La Grange, IL 60525‑8408
Phone: (847) 951‑2482 • admin@niafpd.org