Contact: Mark E. Brady, Public Information Officer, PIOMarkBrady@gmail.com
The Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation (YLD) has awarded the Chief John M. Eversole Scholarship for Hazardous Materials Responders to Jeffrey Hennessy, Commander, Hazardous Materials/WMD Training for the Chicago Fire Department.
Hennessy said receiving the scholarship is a meaningful honor.
“This scholarship gives me a chance to grow as a leader and better serve others,” Hennessy said. “It is more than financial support. It helps me continue to learn and lead.”
Michael Hildebrand, president of YLD, congratulated Hennessy on his selection.
“We are proud to recognize a leader from the Chicago Fire Department and the hazardous materials community,” Hildebrand said. “This scholarship honors Chief Eversole’s legacy and the dedication of today’s hazmat professionals.”
As the Hazardous Materials/WMD Training Commander, Hennessy plans and oversees training that prepares firefighters to respond to hazardous materials incidents. He supports the department’s two hazardous materials teams, known as 5-1-1 and 5-1-2, and helps introduce new equipment and response techniques.
One of Hennessy’s proudest achievements is rebuilding the Hazardous Materials Operations training program for new firefighter recruits. Each year, about 200 recruits receive training on the basics of hazardous materials response. Hennessy also provides specialized training to Chicago Police SWAT officers and Chicago Fire Department paramedics in technical rescue programs.
In addition, Hennessy oversees required recertification training for hazardous materials operations and technician-level personnel. This training reaches nearly 4,000 department members and is delivered at firehouses across the city.
The Chicago Fire Department, led by Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt, is one of the largest fire departments in the nation. The department responds to more than 800,000 calls each year and provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, special operations, and public safety education. Its hazardous materials unit responds to spills, industrial accidents, and other complex incidents, working closely with local, state, and federal partners.
The scholarship holds special meaning for the Chicago Fire Department and YLD. In 2007, YLD established the John M. Eversole Endowment to support scholarships and awards for members of the hazardous materials response community.
Chief John M. Eversole served his entire career with the Chicago Fire Department, rising from firefighter to chief of special operations. He founded the department’s Hazardous Materials Response Unit and was widely respected for his leadership and commitment to responder safety.
Chief Eversole also served nationally as chairman of the International Association of Fire Chiefs Hazardous Materials Committee and as a long-time leader on the NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials/WMD Response Technical Committee, where he helped shape national safety standards.
Each year, YLD recognizes emerging and developing leaders in fire, EMS, hazmat, emergency management and homeland security. In 2025, YLD awarded 10 scholarships totaling $52,000.
The application period for YLD scholarships runs from Aug. 1 through Oct. 30. More information is available at YLD.org.
<code