Illinois Fire Apparatus Mechanics Association

What is IFAMA?

The group was founded in 1985 by fire and ambulance apparatus technicians, based on the need of reliable factory training. Fire apparatus are so unique that local vocational training was not available. Progress in training and cooperation between departments has greatly improved our technician’s knowledge over the past decades. I can say that with pride, as this is our 20^th anniversary of the training seminar. As we have grown, so has the industry. With the advent of the EVT Certification (emergency vehicle technician), and NFPA Standards, the need for quality training is paramount.

IFAMA technicians are proud to have members who have been instrumental in legislation of training, NFPA, ASE and EVT Certification committees, which certify technicians by use of a national testing procedure.

Along with the legislation, IFAMA technicians will continue to focus on training and safety as it relates to the every day maintenance and repair of emergency apparatus, ambulances, support vehicles and equipment.

Added to our annual seminar 4 years ago was “The Expo”. The first year involved 10-15 vendors and was held at Jumars in Bloomington. The next year we grew to have 20 vendors and moved our expo to a hanger at the Bloomington Municipal Airport. Two years ago we needed to move again, due to growth in participation to The Interstate Center. We had over 30 vendors, which included over 20 vehicles under one roof and multiple vendor booths. Past vendors included; Detroit Diesel, Pierce, E-One, Caterpillar, UL, Whelen, Federal Signal, Fleet Safety Supply, Alexis Fire Equipment, Ford and Stertil-Koni just to name a few. Now that we have moved to the Interstate Center we can accommodate most anything.

Today our membership base is over 300 technicians, from over 50 departments, service centers, city garages and dealer repair facilities. Our membership covers all of Illinois and parts of the tri-state area. We even have a several members from Canada!

Special training seminars and workshops are also scheduled throughout the year. These training seminars and workshops provide the in-depth education that our technicians’ want and that are needed to become EVT and ASE certified. We strive to be the best trained and most prepared technicians we can be.

 Who can join IFAMA?

Membership is accorded to those persons involved in areas relating to the fire service and the care and maintenance of fire apparatus and equipment. Such as:  firefighter/mechanics; fire dept./city mechanics;  service center mechanics;  fire apparatus/equipment sales representatives. Voting membership is accorded only to individuals not fire depts., cities, or companies.

What is the term of a membership?

The term of membership is for one (1) year beginning March 1, and ending February 28 of the following year.

What are the membership dues?

One (1) year membership        $40

How to join IFAMA

Fill out a membership application form and mail it with remittance to:

Click here to download membership form
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