Ed Leeson
As is the case with many of our instructors, the addition of Ed Leeson to KACC was fortuitous for our Fire-Rescue-EMR Program.
As a retired Fire Chief, Ed Leeson began instructing at KACC in 2014 following his retirement from Matteson Fire Department. He has been involved in the Fire-Rescue-EMS service for more than 40 years serving on volunteer, paid-on-call, and on career departments. Mr. Leeson has been certified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a Training Program Manager and Chief Fire Officer. He has numerous other certifications in the fields of study including: EMS, hazardous materials, fire investigation, public education, fire prevention, and technical rescue.
Mr. Leeson has developed wonderful working relationships with area fire districts which has been great for our students. Area firefighters have welcomed our students into their departments as well as brought specialized equipment to KACC for one-site training. Because of the diversity and professionalism within his curriculum, Mr. Leeson's students are often cadets on local departments prior to high school graduation. Oftentimes, they return to KACC to visit and update him on their career path and educational progress.
Mr. Leeson earned an Associates Degree in Law Enforcement as well as a Master of Public Administration Degree. His background and experience are vital assets in guiding students through the challenging and rigorous classroom and practical skills education they receive in this curriculum.
On a personal note, Mr. Leeson can often be found after school serving as an Illinois High School Association umpire for area baseball and softball teams.