Air Quality Alert issued May 27 at 1:07AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL

Thanks to a new member, Vincenzo Rajkovich, I was put in touch with a representative from Altorfer Cat.  We did some brain storming and came up with a plan to do some Caterpillar motor training at the Mokena Altorfer facility.  The training will consists of common failures, Caterpillar emissions, and repair tips and tricks.  This class will be put on by a Second Level Dealer Coordinator, basically the guy that fixes what the other guys can't.
The date of this class will be on June 9th in Mokena and start at 0900.  If you want to attend, please sign up on the sign up sheet so we have an accurate count for lunch.

Brian

Caterpillar Class Info and Agenda:

See attached information for the training on the 9th. Let me know if this all works. 

Training Details:

• Date: June 9, 2026
• Time: 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM
• Location: Altorfer Caterpillar Mokena – Training Room
  19001 S 88th Avenue
  Mokena, IL 60448
• Arrival Instructions: Please enter through the main entrance upon arrival. Go straight to the training room via the hallway to the left. Ask the front counter if assistance is needed getting to the training room. 

Training Topics Will Include:

• ECM Diagnostics
• Engine Product Familiarization
• Caterpillar ET Diagnostic Software Walkthrough
• Common Failure Modes
• Failure Analysis Techniques
• Caterpillar Product Support Resources
• Parts Catalog Access
• Service Information Access

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:

All attendees are required to bring the following PPE:

• Steel?toe safety shoes
• Safety glasses with side shields

If you are unable to provide the required PPE, PPE can be provided on-site. Please give us advance notice if needed. 

If you have any specific subjects to be covered, please reach out to me ahead of time to allow during the class. 

Lunch will be provided. If there are any food allergy concerns, please reach out to me ahead of time. 

If you have any questions, please email ryan.stazak@altorfer.com or call/text 630?270?7572.

Individual Membership Form 2026-2027

The above link will take you to the individual membership form.  It is a fillable PDF so I no longer have to try and decipher some of the crazy writing that comes to me anymore!  Fill it out and send the checks to the new Post Office Box (below).  Once we recieve your form and payment, I will change your name in the roster from RED to WHITE.

Our new mailing address is below.

Illinois Fire Apparatus Mechanics Association
P.O. Box 156
Sycamore IL 60178

Orland Fire Protection District will be hosting a welding class at their maintenance facility from Sept 15 to Dec.15, 2026.  This class is geared towards the type of welding we do on our rigs and around the shop.  The class will teach principles involved in equipment, material, and procedures, combined with demonstrations and supervised practical experience.  The class is being taught by instructors from Prairie State College and will also be formally be recognized for college credits.

For more information, see  Attachment or contact John Cihocki at 708-362-1221.

Welcome to the new Website for Illinois Fire Mechanics Association Illinois Fire Mechanics Association, December 22 Welcome to the Website for Illinois Fire Mechanics Association. Please check back often as we will be adding more stories and content.... (Full Story & Photos)

IFAMA members learned about the stand by generators from Atlas Copco.  Thanks to Interstate Power in Carol Stream for hosting our meeting and lunch!