Fire Chiefs LODD Benefits Workshop – 2026 Illinois & Federal Updates

Most fire departments are unprepared for a line-of-duty death or serious injury – either missing critical paperwork and procedures or relying on outdated information. This can directly impact a firefighter’s (or their family’s) ability to receive benefits.  As part of the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, the federal Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program expanded eligible conditions to include certain cancers that result in death or permanent disability.

Join fire service leaders and industry experts at our 7th Fire Chiefs Workshop to learn about these federal and Illinois benefit updates, recent legislative changes, and practical steps your department can take to prepare for the unexpected.

What You’ll Learn

Federal & Illinois Line-of-Duty Benefits

• • Recent updates and changes
  • Eligibility requirements & time limitations
  • Suicide, PTSD and other stress disorders
  • Cancer and presumption standards
  • Common questions

Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act

• • What the new law means
  • Cancer-related benefit eligibility
  • Key considerations for fire departments

Department Preparedness

• • Exposure reports and documentation
  • Beneficiary forms
  • Policy manuals
  • Personal records and documentation
  • Department toolkits
  • Recordkeeping best practices

Panel Discussion

• • Real-life scenarios
  • Questions & answers with industry experts

Speakers

• Ian Bennett, National Local Assistance State Team (LAST) Coordinator, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF)
• Caitlyn Brennan, CEO, 100 Club of Illinois

Schedule

• 8:00am – 8:15am: Registration and light breakfast
• 8:15am – 12:00pm: Workshop

Who Should Attend

• Fire Chiefs
• Assistant Chiefs/Deputy Chiefs

Date and Time:
August 18, 2026
8:00am – 12:00pm

Location
College of DuPage – Homeland Security Education Center
Room HEC 1022 (first floor of the SSG Miller Homeland Security Center HEC building)
425 Fawell Blvd
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
click here for directions

This is a free workshop presented by Railside Citrus Insurance Agency

Protecting the Fire Service goes beyond insurance.  Guidance on leadership, risk management, legal updates, and best practices reflects our commitment to the fire service. That’s why we host workshops.

– Dave Broz, President, Railside Citrus Insurance Agency