Hazardous Materials Team MABAS 15

Mission Statement

The Joliet Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team’s Mission is to provide a professional response to any Hazardous Material leak, spill, or condition that threatens the public and/or environment of the City of Joliet.

Overview

Within the City of Joliet, there are more than 100 fixed facilities required by the State of Illinois to report the presence of hazardous materials.  In addition, Joliet is home to the CenterPoint Intermodal Center, the nation’s largest inland port, receiving countless potentially hazardous goods from road, rail, and barge. 

The Joliet Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team is a specialized unit comprised of 15 state-certified Hazardous Materials Technicians. Team members participate in monthly training designed to prepare them for a wide range of incidents, including train derailments, chemical releases, and acts of terrorism. 

The team protects the safety of residents and visitors through the use of advanced atmospheric monitoring equipment, specialized chemical protective clothing, and mass decontamination capabilities. The Joliet Hazardous Materials Team is also a member of the MABAS Division 15 Hazardous Materials Team and responds to major incidents throughout the region and state.   

Members & Certifications 

All members of the Hazardous Materials Team are state-certified Hazardous Materials Technicians. In addition to the initial 40 hours of hazardous materials training required of all entry-level firefighters, team members complete an additional 80 hours of advanced technician-level instruction. This training qualifies members to enter hazardous atmospheres, conduct rescues, mitigate chemical releases, and collect samples of unknown substances. 

Eddie Crombie – Team Leader -HazMat Tech
Matt Bozicevich – Assistant Team Leader - HazMat Tech, Rope Tech
Fred Offerman - Advisor – HazMat Tech
Joe Vish – Advisor - HazMat Tech
Dan Miller – Advisor - HazMat Tech, Rope Ops
Jim Lukancic – HazMat Tech
Bob Rosado – HazMat Tech, Rope Ops
John Mosier – HazMat Tech
Matt Thom – HazMat Tech
Bryan Ogrizovich – HazMat Tech
Nick Baffes – HazMat Tech
Jimmie Yates – HazMat Tech
Nick Esposito – HazMat Tech
Matt Christensen – HazMat Tech
Matt Pasteris – HazMat Tech