PRESS RELEASE
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — As one of the nation’s most respected firefighter training academies, Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) prepares thousands of recruits and career firefighters each year for the demands of the job — with a strong emphasis on health, safety, and operational readiness. Recruits face live fire scenarios, search and rescue drills, and high-pressure simulations that test both their physical limits and decision-making skills. When IFSI integrated our exhaust systems into their training grounds, it demonstrated a shared commitment to minimizing diesel exhaust exposure — starting at the foundation of a firefighter’s career.
To protect the health of its instructors and students in such a high-volume setting, IFSI chose MagneGrip’s exhaust removal system. Leading this decision is Chief Tim Walsh, a longtime fire service leader and former Assistant Deputy Chief of the Chicago Fire Department, now serving as Director of Corporate Relations at IFSI. With decades of firsthand experience, Chief Walsh understands that clean air isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s essential.
In his recent testimonial
, he highlights MagneGrip’s seamless integration into the station, noting how easy it is to operate, how completely it seals, and how quickly it was installed—without disrupting training schedules or daily response flow.
“[MagneGrip’s systems] perform fully effectively. So if you’re looking for a system to remove carbon monoxide, which NIOSH says no level of carbon monoxide is appropriate in the fire service… my choice would be MagneGrip.”— Chief Tim Walsh, IFSI
Chief Walsh also emphasized that the choice to go with MagneGrip was backed by research. IFSI conducted a carbon monoxide study to test system performance, and the results confirmed that the system delivers as promised—removing harmful diesel exhaust and carbon monoxide to create a safer training environment. Even with 20 runs a day, the automatic fan activation and quick-release nozzles kept operations moving without compromising air quality. In a setting where safety, speed, and consistency are critical, MagneGrip proved to be the right fit.
With over 50 years of industry leadership and ISO 9001:2015 certification, MagneGrip remains the only U.S. manufacturer offering both Source-Capture Exhaust Removal and Air Purification Systems—delivering health-first solutions engineered, built, and trusted to protect firefighters for decades.
Free grant assistance
MagneGrip understands that safety shouldn’t hinge on budget approvals. That’s why we offer free grant assistance to help departments fund the clean air protection they need. In partnership with Fire Rescue 1, our team provides access to local and federal grant searches, alerts, guidance documents, and personalized support throughout the application process.
To learn more or apply today, visit
magnegrip.com/free-grant-assistance
or call 1-800-875-5440.
