TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jeff Carey, Chief of Fire
SUBJECT:
title
Resolution Authorizing Approval and Execution of a Memorandum of Understanding Between Silver Cross Hospital and the Joliet Fire Department for the Establishment of the Silver Cross-Joliet Fire EMS
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BACKGROUND:
The Joliet Fire Department and Silver Cross Hospital have developed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing the Silver Cross-Joliet Fire EMS Academy. The Academy will operate within leased training space at the University of St. Francis (USF), which will also house office space for the EMS Division. Silver Cross Hospital will provide free EMT-Basic and Paramedic tuition for Joliet Fire Department employees, effectively offsetting the cost of the USF lease. The partnership will expand EMS training capacity, strengthen the regional workforce, and improve access to high-quality EMS education.
This item was reviewed at the Public Safety Committee Meeting held on October 6, 2026 and recommended to the full Council for approval.
CONCLUSION:
The Silver Cross-Joliet Fire EMS Academy will expand EMS training capacity and support workforce development while allowing the Joliet Fire Department to utilize USF training space offset by tuition provided by Silver Cross. Approval of the Resolution will allow the Department to implement the MOU and begin Academy operations.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council approve the Resolution authorizing approval and execution of a memorandum of understanding between Silver Cross Hospital and the Joliet Fire Department for the establishment of the Silver Cross-Joliet Fire EMS Academy.
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