Workshops For The Fire Service
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.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
9/9/2026 - In-Person Registration
Barrington Countryside FPD Headquarters Station
9:00AM – 12:00PM
REGISTER HERE
9/10/2026 - In-Person Registration
What Fire Chiefs are saying about our workshops...
Past Workshops
FIRE CHIEFS WORKSHOP
2026 Illinois & Federal Updates to Line-of-Duty Benefits
Ian Bennett, National Local Assistance State Team (LAST) Coordinator for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and Caitlyn Brennan, CEO of the 100 Club of Illinois, explained updates and changes to Illinois and federal line-of-duty benefits, as well as important preparedness considerations.
FIRE CHIEFS WORKSHOP
Cancer Presumptive Laws: Illinois Pension & Workers’ Compensation
Shawn Flaherty, Attorney at Ottosen DiNolfo Hasenbalg & Castaldo, Ltd.
The Rise of Cybercrime Targeting Fire Departments & Public Safety
John E. Motylinski. Attorney at Ottosen DiNolfo Hasenbalg & Castaldo, Ltd.
Fire Station Design, Construction and Resiliency
Jason M. Estes. Principle FGM Architects Inc.
Panel Discussion; Delegation, Time Management and Culture
Robb Cagann, Fire Chief Elgin Fire Department
Michael E. Rothecker,Assistant Chief Elgin Fire Department
William J. Luchsinger, Fire Chief South Elgin & Countryside Fire Protection District
FIRE CHIEFS WORKSHOP
Updates to Federal Line-of-Duty Benefits
Ian Bennett, National Local Assistance State Team (LAST) Coordinator for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, explained changes to the federal PSOB program as well as updates to programs from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
You’re Talking, but Are They Listening?
Rick Lochner, President of RPC Leadership Associates, Inc. Rick demonstrated how to adapt your communication style to connect with the unique personalities you’ll encounter on your board, in your community, and in the firehouse, helping you foster better relationships, solve problems and achieve more together.
Modern Communication Strategies:
John Buckley, Executive Director Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, Chief William Luchsinger MPA, Fire Chief, South Elgin & Countryside Fire Protection District & James Howard CPA, Governmental Accounting LLC
explained tips, tricks and strategies when making proposals to your board or other stakeholders. This panel shared new insights, methods and perspectives on presentations and negotiations.
FIRE CHIEFS WORKSHOP
Updates to Illinois Line-of-Duty Benefits
Dale Simpson, Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall gave an in-depth discussion on the updates to Illinois line-of-duty benefits, new grants available from the state of Illinois, the volunteer firefighter tax credit program and mare.
Work Compromises
Experts, Dr. Laticia S. Thompson of Legacy Blueprint, LLC and Erin Doepel Wikstrom with Doepel Retirement Planning discussed how to develop an algorithm for healthy comprise and create your own personal plan to achieve success.
Planning Ahead:
Scott Nowling, Attorney at Law discussed estate planning and benefits administration.
FIRE CHIEFS WORKSHOP
Changes to Federal Line-of-Duty Benefits
Ian Bennett, National Local Assistance State Team (LAST) Coordinator for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, explained changes to the federal PSOB program as well as updates to programs from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
Legal/HR
Shawn Flaherty, Attorney at Ottosen DiNolfo Hasenbalg & Castaldo, Ltd.
Leadership
Rick Lochner, President of RPC Leadership Associates, Inc.
FIRE CHIEFS WORKSHOP
“How Not To”
Legal/HR
Shawn Flaherty, Attorney at Ottosen DiNolfo Hasenbalg & Castaldo, Ltd.
IL OSHA
Pat Schuerman
VFIS
Jeffrey Paul and Dave Bradley
FIRE CHIEFS WORKSHOP
“How Not To”
Legal/HR
Shawn Flaherty, Attorney at Ottosen DiNolfo Hasenbalg & Castaldo, Ltd.
IL OSHA
Pat Schuerman
VFIS
Jeffrey Paul and Craig Rosen
Join our workshop email list
