Fire Prevention Division Earns Accreditation

At the February 3, 2026, Village Council meeting, Mayor Bob Barnett shared some exciting news about the Downers Grove Fire Prevention Division.

In December 2025, the Division earned Fire Prevention Department Accreditation from the International Accreditation Service, an independent third-party of the International Code Council (ICC). The ICC is the organization responsible for developing many of the building and fire codes used across the country including several adopted right here in Downers Grove, making this recognition especially meaningful.

With this designation, the Downers Grove Fire Prevention Division is one of only two departments nationwide to earn accreditation as a Fire Prevention and Life Safety Department.

Earning this accreditation was no small task. The Fire Prevention Division met 56 rigorous criteria that reflect industry best practices in fire code enforcement. ICC assessors conducted an in-depth, on-site review, examining documents, observing daily operations, and speaking with both internal and external stakeholders. The process also gave the team an opportunity to closely evaluate their work and make improvements that better serve the community.

Mayor Barnett closed by congratulating Fire Prevention Chief Chris Hull, the entire Fire Prevention Bureau, the Village Council, and the broader Village team for their hard work, collaboration, and dedication in achieving this outstanding accomplishment.