ECC Center for Emergency Services (CES)

Two firefighters hose the side of a fire-damaged building.

The Elgin Community College Center for Emergency Services in Burlington, Illinois, provides essential education and training for first responders, including police, fire, and paramedics. It was part of the 2009 bond-funded campus master plan and started classes in 2016. The center's success depends on local first responder input and offers specialized equipment, practical training facilities, and resources for effective emergency response training, contributing to community safety and preparedness.

Campus Features

Core to the 120-acre property is an academic building (Building BA) with dedicated classrooms for public safety communications, emergency medical services, criminal justice, and fire science. Classes in fire science were the first courses held at the center when it opened for instruction in late spring 2016. Courses and training options in other emergency service areas are being added.

The site also includes an apparatus building (Building BB), which features two bays for training on police and fire equipment and fire truck storage. A three-story burn tower (Building BD) can simulate residential and commercial fires. Additionally, two ponds provide water for firefighter training, and another could be used for other training needs.

Additional Features

Two emergency vehicle driving simulators—one for police, one for fire—allow students and professionals to sharpen their driving techniques. Simulators prevent wear and tear on equipment while allowing trainees to practice driving in hazardous conditions.
The classroom is an emergency operations center where students and trainees rehearse incident management and control. It is also the temporary home for a tabletop model city, a useful incident management training resource for students and practitioners.
The property offers a 139,400 square-foot driving pad, which includes a 28,200 square-foot skidpad that allows law enforcement and emergency services trainees to develop their driving skills.
The forensics lab is for actual law enforcement investigations, including a digital access control system that records the information of anyone who logs in to access evidence files.
The defensive tactics room provides a place for tactical training with a semi-padded floor.
The apparatus bay is a two-bay garage for emergency vehicles serving realistic, live learning environments. Currently, this includes an ambulance and two fire trucks.

Photo Gallery

A caring community where you belong

3 firefighters mounting a ladder on a fire engine — Learn various fire suppression techniques, including proper use of hoses and appliances, nozzles, and fire streams and water supply. Study fire attack, search and rescue, forcible entry, ventilation, and teamwork in controlling and extinguishing fires.

4 firefighters around a door with smoke spilling out. — You'll simulate real-life fire scenarios like this burn tower exercise at ECC's Center for Emergency Services Campus in Burlington, Illinois. You'll practice using firefighting tools and equipment ladders while responding to emergency scenarios in a controlled environment, giving you experiences to develop the specialized skills needed as a career firefighter.

Firefighting student resting on a log in full fire protective gear — ECC bolsters professional development offerings for current first responders with courses in all facets of emergency services response. Career Training in firefighting, technical rescue, EMS, Criminal Justice, 911 Operations, Emergency Management, and Leadership.

Group of 10 students in fire-protective gear circle around 2 firefighting instructors — Education and training at ECC will provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become a competent first responder. Advanced simulations and state-of-the-art training facilities will assist you in preparing for a career in emergency services.

Firefighter stands next to an open door filled with fire inside — In the program, you may learn to evacuate affected areas, contain a chemical spill or fire, and mitigate hazards. The construction and design of structures are key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating in emergencies, allowing hands-on experience.

911 Dispatch student wears a headset while working at a computer — ECC ensures public safety professionals are prepared to handle all emergencies. State-of-the-art equipment such as the 9-1-1 Reality Plus dispatch simulator allows Public Safety Communicators to practice in a simulated environment.

First responder representative speaks to a full classroom of attendees. — ECC hosts an annual open house to offer the community a look at equipment demonstrations and education on public safety. This is also an opportunity to display all of the emergency service careers. Fire and Police department leadership teams are invited to the First Responders Roundtable with state legislators.

Firefighting graduate shakes hand with a first responder at graduation ceremony. — Family and friends join the Basic Operations Firefighter Academy students twice annually for the final recognition ceremonies. These special events mark the successful completion of firefighter training programs and the transition of trainees into state-certified firefighters.

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Contact

ECC Center for Emergency Services

815 E. Plank Rd.
Burlington, IL 60109
847-886-5395
admissions@elgin.edu

Hours
Monday through Friday: 8 am to 5 pm

*Bilingual Admissions Coordinator: 847-214-7689