Mike Manint joined the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) in 2014 as a curriculum support specialist in IFSI’s Curriculum, Testing and Certification Office. That same year, he became a field instructor, and he continues to assist in the Entry Level and Recruit Firefighting class for IFSI’s annual Fire College and the Basic Skills Program for the annual Explorer Cadet Fire School. Manint began his career as a firefighter in 2005 with the Downs, IL, Community Fire Protection District. He rose through the ranks to captain, training officer and fire chief. While at the department, Manint achieved certification as a Fire Investigator and served on the MABAS Division 41 fire investigation team for seven years. He later joined the Tolono, IL, Fire Protection District, where he held the position of lieutenant. Manint is an instructor for Parkland College, where he teaches in the fire service technology program. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in fire science and a master’s degree in emergency services management.