Phillip Maclin
Summary
Skilled Fire Science Instructor at Illinois Central College with expertise in scientific literacy and community partnerships. Successfully fostered student engagement through innovative, inquiry-based learning strategies, enhancing educational outcomes. Proven ability to implement adaptive learning techniques and promote a culture of collaboration, resulting in improved student performance and critical thinking skills.
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Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Fire Science Instructor
Illinois Central College
11.2017 - Current
- Established a positive classroom environment that promoted open communication, fostering deeper understanding of course material.
- Evaluated student progress through formative and summative assessments, providing timely feedback to support ongoing growth.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, enhancing the overall educational experience.
- Implemented interactive learning activities to encourage active participation and critical thinking among students.
- Organized field trips and guest speakers to expose students to real-world applications of scientific principles.
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay current on best practices for science education and incorporate new strategies into teaching methods.
- Supported students in development of skills and strategies to become independent and successful learners.
- Produced engaging lesson plans and activities to help students master learning objectives.
- Promoted culture of inclusion, respect and collaboration in classroom.
Division Chief of Fire Prevention
City of Peoria Fire Department
11.2012 - 11.2017
- Provided direct oversight for five distinct offices: the office of fire and life safety education, the office of fire inspections, the office of emergency medical services, the office of hazardous materials, and the office of fire investigations.
- Optimized resource allocation by identifying opportunities for cost reduction while maintaining high-quality outputs.
- Navigated complex negotiations with stakeholders, resulting in mutually beneficial agreements that advanced division interests.
- Implemented risk management strategies to identify potential issues early on, mitigating threats to project timelines or deliverables.
- Collaborated with other departments to develop cross-functional initiatives for organizational success.
- Led a team of professionals to achieve division goals and maintain high standards of performance.
- Built lasting relationships with external partners, expanding opportunities for collaboration across various industries.
- Enhanced communication within the division through regular meetings, updates, and training sessions.
- Established performance metrics to track progress towards division objectives and drive continuous improvement.
- Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance and support for their professional growth and development.
- Managed budgets and resources effectively, ensuring fiscal responsibility within the division.
- Supervised firehouse emergency service operations, maintaining inventory and liaising with vendors to secure necessary supplies.
- Organized and updated databases, records and other information resources.
- Created reports, presentations and other materials for executive staff.
- Analyzed and solved multi-faceted problems that effected executive leaders and community initiatives.
- Served as records custodian and FOIA officer.
- Served as management team member on various interdepartmental labor/management committees.
- Assisted in the development of multi-year collective bargaining agreement with local labor union.
- Provided direct oversight and development of the firefighter cadet program.
Battalion Chief of Special Operations
City of Peoria Fire Department
09.2010 - 11.2012
- Collaborated with neighboring jurisdictions on regional emergency preparedness plans to ensure seamless response capabilities across borders during large-scale events or disasters.
- Enhanced firefighter safety through the implementation of comprehensive training programs and adherence to strict safety guidelines.
- Demonstrated strong leadership in high-pressure situations, successfully guiding teams through complex emergency incidents while minimizing risks to both responders and civilians.
- Served as an effective liaison between firefighters under my command and upper-level administration to address concerns promptly while still upholding department policies and procedures.
- Responsible for EMS departmental procedures and protocol adherence.
- Oversight of hazardous materials inspection program and hazardous materials response team.
- Oversight of technical rescue team.
- Oversight of dive team.
- Supervised and coordinated tactical methodology used in resolving emergencies and other situations.
- Maintained high levels of readiness by regularly evaluating equipment inventory, personnel training, and overall resource availability within the department.
- Oversaw proper implementation of best practices, policies and procedures in alignment with regulations and operational needs.
Fire Captain Senior Arson Investigator
Peoria Fire Department
07.2009 - 11.2010
- Conducted rigorous fire investigations to determine causes and prevent future occurrences, significantly improving community safety standards.
- Crafted and executed fire suppression strategies that minimized damage to property and environment.
- Engaged in continuous professional development to stay abreast of advancements in fire science and emergency management.
- Spearheaded community outreach programs to educate public on fire safety, resulting in noticeable decrease in preventable fire incidents.
- Established partnerships with community organizations to support fire prevention and education initiatives, building strong community relations.
- Conducted extensive research to support complex arson investigations, resulting in successful prosecutions.
- Implemented advanced photographic techniques for documenting crime scenes, enabling more effective analysis during investigations.
- Provided expert testimony in court proceedings, contributing to the successful conviction of multiple offenders.
- Maintained accurate records of all cases, ensuring proper documentation for future reference and court hearings.
- Served as a liaison between various agencies involved in arson investigations, fostering collaboration and information sharing.
Fire Engineer / Fire and Life Safety Inspector
Peoria Fire Department
2003 - 2009
- Promoted a culture of safety awareness through ongoing communication and educational initiatives.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations by maintaining up-to-date knowledge in the field of occupational health and safety.
- Identified areas for improvement during site walkthrough, working closely with site supervisors to address any deficiencies immediately before they escalated into more significant issues.
- Coordinated routine maintenance activities with facilities staff to ensure that all safety equipment remained in optimal working condition.
- Investigated incidents and accidents, determining root causes to prevent future occurrences.
- Conducted regular safety inspections and audits to identify potential hazards and prevent accidents and injuries.
- Conducted safety training and education to employees to increase awareness of safety hazards and empower employees to work safely.
- Recognized, documented, and advised on removal of hazards.
- Performed safety analyses to evaluate potential risks and develop risk mitigation strategies.
Fire Apparatus Engineer
City of Peoria Fire Department
09.2002 - 09.2003
- Cleaned and inspected all equipment.
- Responded to fire alarms and extinguished fires.
- Performed practice drills.
- Protected community from house and building fires.
- Used sophisticated firefighting and rescue equipment.
- Enhanced firefighter safety by conducting thorough equipment inspections and maintenance on fire apparatus.
- Supported firefighting operations with timely water supply management and pump operation.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the department through adherence to standard operating procedures and guidelines for fire apparatus operation.
- Collaborated with firefighters to effectively position hoses and equipment for optimal firefighting efforts.
- Advanced professional development by attending training sessions, workshops, and conferences related to Fire Apparatus Engineering best practices.
- Reinforced departmental goals of continuous improvement by providing constructive feedback on fire apparatus performance during after-action reviews of emergency incidents.
- Reduced property damage through strategic placement of fire apparatus during incidents.
- Safeguarded public welfare during emergency situations with proper traffic control measures while operating fire apparatus.
Public Education Officer
City of Peoria Fire Department
03.1997 - 09.2002
- Enhanced curriculum quality by collaborating with fellow educators to develop and implement innovative educational programs.
- Introduced educational inclusion program and oversaw implementation.
- Developed cross-disciplinary connections between subjects by collaborating with colleagues on integrated lesson plans.
- Monitored overhead, prepared budgets and directed spending and resources to support fiscal efficiency.
- Responsible for community-wide fire and life safety education in businesses, community groups, and educational setting.
- Developed "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" community program.
Firefighter
City of Peoria Fire Department
04.1990 - 03.1997
- Performed life-saving procedures during medical emergencies, administering CPR and first aid as needed.
- Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
- Collaborated with fellow firefighters to execute efficient firefighting strategies, mitigating property damage and loss of life.
- Drove and operated structural pumpers, tankers, ladders, and service vehicles to aid in rescue operations.
- Maintained optimal readiness for emergency situations by regularly participating in drills and training exercises.
- Improved operational efficiency by helping maintain apparatuses, equipment, and facilities according to established standards.
- Utilized technical expertise in operating specialized firefighting equipment such as aerial ladders, hydraulic extrication tools, and thermal imaging cameras.
- Initiated first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepared victims for transport to medical facilities.
- Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
Juvenile Probation Officer
County of Peoria
08.1988 - 04.1990
- Advocated for alternatives to detention when appropriate, emphasizing the importance of community-based interventions over punitive measures.
- Managed caseloads effectively by prioritizing tasks, utilizing time management skills, and maintaining organized case files.
- Established positive rapport with juveniles under supervision, fostering trust and open communication while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Enhanced community safety by closely monitoring and supervising juveniles on probation, ensuring compliance with court-ordered conditions.
- Promoted department's mission and procedures to community organizations, school officials and law enforcement.
- Investigated juveniles' activities, school attendance and employment.
- Developed key partnerships with staff of community organizations to improve access to educational services among disenfranchised youth.
- Developed relationships with local service providers to increase availability of resources tailored specifically to the unique needs of juvenile offenders.
- Visited homes of youth offenders and resolved family issues.
- Contributed to a safe and supportive work environment by actively participating in team meetings, offering constructive feedback, and sharing knowledge with colleagues.
- Reduced recidivism rates through targeted interventions and appropriate referrals to community-based programs.
- Testified in court proceedings as needed, providing clear recommendations based on thorough evaluations and knowledge of best practices in juvenile justice.
- Developed safety plans and strategic interventions to address specific issues.
Education
No Degree - Fire Service Executive Management
Clark Atlanta University
Atlanta, GA06-2010
MBA - Management
American InterContinental University
Schaumburg, IL02-2009
Associate of Applied Science - Fire Science
Illinois Central College
East Peoria, IL05-2000
Bachelor of Arts - Management
University of Illinois At Springfield
Springfield, IL05-1987
Associate of Applied Science - Marketing Management
Illinois Central College
East Peoria, IL12-1982
Skills
- Lab safety protocols
- Online teaching tools
- Student engagement
- Scientific literacy
- Adaptive learning
- Expertise in subject matter
- Environmental awareness
- Pedagogical skills
- Project-based learning
- Real-world applications
- Formative assessment
- Inquiry-based learning
- Community partnerships
- Collaborative learning
Certification
State of Illinois Firefighter II certification
- State of Illinois Firefighter III certification
- State of Illinois Fire Apparatus Engineer certification
- State of Illinois Hazardous Materials Operations certification
- State of Illinois Hazardous Materials First Responder certification
- State of Illinois Hazardous Materials Technician Level A certification
- United States Department of Labor Firefighter Apprenticeship certification
- Fire Instructor I certification from University of Illinois
- State of Illinois Fire Prevention Officer certification
- Juvenile fire-setters certification
- State of Illinois Hazardous Materials Technician Level B certification
- State of Illinois Technical Rescue Awareness certification
- State of Illinois Emergency Medical Technician B/D current.
- Orr Protection Systems—Inspection, Testing and Maintenance certificate
- General Physics Corporation WMD Detection Technologies certificate
- General Physics Corporation Drager Civil Defense System certificate
- General Physics Corporation Chemical Agent Detection certificate
- General Physics Corporation Chemical Detector APD 2000 certificate
- General Physics Corporation Chemical Agent Detection Kit certificate
- General Physics Corporation Chemical Agent Detector SAW MiniCAD certification
- General Physics Corporation Chemical Agent Monitor certification
- General Physics Corporation WMD Hazardous Materials certificate
- General Physics Corporation Photo Ionization Detector certification
- Building Fire and Code Academy Plans Review certification
- Orr Protection Systems –Anticipating the Unexpected Emergency certificate
- National Fire Academy Fire Inspection Principals certification
- Orr Protection Systems Fire Alarm Detection and Control Systems certificate
- National Fire Academy Introduction to Incident Command certificate
- National Fire Academy Components of Incident Command certificate
- National Fire Academy Incident Command Control Simulation I certificate
- National Fire Academy Incident Command Control Simulation II certificate
- National Fire Academy Incident Command for Single Resources certificate
- National Fire Academy Continuity of Operations Awareness certificate
- National Fire Academy National Incident Management System certificate
- National Fire Academy Fire Service Supervision certificate
- National Fire Academy Emergency Medical Services Operations Multi-Casualty certificate
- Illinois Fire Service Institute University of Illinois / National Fire Academy Fire and Arson Investigation certification I
- Illinois Fire Service Institute University of Illinois / National Fire Academy Fire and Arson Investigation certification II
- Illinois Fire Service Institute University of Illinois / National Fire Academy Fire and Arson Investigation certification III
- University of Illinois Police Training Institute / Arson Investigator Certificate
- Office of Illinois State Fire Marshal / Arson Investigator Certification
Timeline
Fire Science Instructor
Illinois Central College
11.2017 - Current
Division Chief of Fire Prevention
City of Peoria Fire Department
11.2012 - 11.2017
Battalion Chief of Special Operations
City of Peoria Fire Department
09.2010 - 11.2012
Fire Captain Senior Arson Investigator
Peoria Fire Department
07.2009 - 11.2010
Fire Apparatus Engineer
City of Peoria Fire Department
09.2002 - 09.2003
Public Education Officer
City of Peoria Fire Department
03.1997 - 09.2002
Firefighter
City of Peoria Fire Department
04.1990 - 03.1997
Juvenile Probation Officer
County of Peoria
08.1988 - 04.1990
Fire Engineer / Fire and Life Safety Inspector
Peoria Fire Department
2003 - 2009
No Degree - Fire Service Executive Management
Clark Atlanta University
MBA - Management
American InterContinental University
Associate of Applied Science - Fire Science
Illinois Central College
Bachelor of Arts - Management
University of Illinois At Springfield
Associate of Applied Science - Marketing Management
Illinois Central College
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