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(From left): Erik Hoffer, executive director of the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board, delivers an updated residential fire sprinkler system to Andrew Hufnagl, coordinator/instructor of Moraine Valley’s Fire Science Program, and Dr. Alexandria Terrazas, assistant dean of Career Programs.
Moraine Valley Community College received an updated residential sprinkler demonstration unit, donated by the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board (NIFSAB), for use in the Fire Science Program. The unit will prepare Fire Science students to effectively approach residential sprinkler systems in the field.
The unit, constructed by former firefighter Greg Monnett, who described his work as “a labor of love,” replaces Moraine Valley’s outdated model. When NIFSAB Executive Director Erik Hoffer visited the college and saw the old demonstration unit was in disrepair, he offered to donate a new one to the college.
Hoffer explained components of the unit. “This display really just shows how simple a system is. It’s much simpler than a commercial system,” he noted. “Once it’s installed, it’s pretty much there, always protecting residents. And the important thing is, there’s nothing that needs to be done with it. It’s just water and pipes, and it’s ready and waiting like a firefighter, 24/7.”
Training firefighters in understanding residential sprinkler systems especially is relevant as many local communities mandate the installation of systems in the construction of new, one- to two- family residential homes.
The demonstration unit features several types of sprinklers, smoke alarms, pipes, valves, bells and HVAC installations firefighters may encounter as part of the system. It also includes informational placards about the effectiveness of fire sprinklers in eliminating flashover, which is unsurvivable and signifies the unrestricted growth phase of a fire.
Andrew Hufnagl, coordinator and instructor of the college’s Fire Science Program, shared, “I’d like to thank Executive Director Hoffer for giving us a donation. It’s going to be a critical part of making sure that our students are well-prepared for their careers in the fire service. These systems are becoming more commonplace, and we want to prepare the students for every possibility when they’re out working in the field. Should they encounter this system, we will have all the confidence in the world that they’ll know how to operate them and to shut them off and protect the property – and the very important part they play in providing for fire safety within a residential community.”
Dr. LoShay Willis, dean of Career Programs at the college, echoed Hufnagl, stating, “We sincerely thank the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board for their generous support. This equipment will provide our students with hands-on experience, ensuring they are well-prepared for real-world applications. Beyond the classroom, this investment strengthens community safety by training future professionals who will help protect lives and property.”
For news media inquiries, contact Madisson Younglove, Moraine Valley assistant director of Communications, at (708) 974-5281 or younglovem2@morainevalley.edu.
