Archive for April 5th, 2017

Pingree Grove FPD news

Excerpts from the DailyHerald.com:

A majority of voters said no to two new fire stations in a referendum question in Tuesday’s election asking permission to borrow $8.5 million for construction in the Pingree Grove and Countryside Fire Protection District.

There were 859 “no” votes and 608 “yes” votes, with all 16 precincts reporting in Kane County, according to unofficial results.

Fire Chief Mitch Crocetti said the district wanted to be better positioned geographically to reduce response times for an increasing population. The district has three fire stations, one of which — Station 4 on Plank Road — would have been closed and sold if the two new ones were built.

The 20-year property tax increase would have amounted to about $117 per year for a house valued at $300,000.

The 50-square-mile district serves about 15,000 residents in Pingree Grove, the northern end of Campton Hills, and unincorporated areas.

The two new fire stations would have been built in the vicinity of Plato and Rippburger roads, and on Highland Avenue just east of Coombs Road.

thanks Dan

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Fox River and Countryside Fire Rescue District news (more)

Excerpts from the Kane-Chronicle.com:

Voters defeated the Fox River and Countryside Fire Protection District’s second attempt at a rate increase with 1,451 no votes to 935 yes votes, a difference of 516 votes, according to unofficial results in Kane and DuPage counties the night of the April 4 consolidated election.

The district sought an increase to nearly 53 cents, up from 27 cents, per $100 of equalized assessed value. The new rate would have boosted its levy to nearly $5 million and would have helped replace an aging fleet and equipment, provide for adequate staffing, and reduce its debt.

As this is the second failure – a similar request in 2015 was defeated – district officials will have to consider being dissolved and the area it serves divided among other fire districts.

The district covers 38 square miles and serves about 25,000 residents in Campton Hills, Wayne, and St. Charles townships.

Fire district attorney Kenneth Shepro said the board faces some tough choices.

“The board will have to take a hard look at the available options,” Shepro said. “The dilemma remains that there is not enough money to buy new equipment and sustain existing staffing levels – something has got to give. I think the board will have all options on the table.”

Still, Shepro said he preferred to think of the current defeat as nearly doubling its support from the previous failed referendum.

“In our journey of a thousand miles, we went from 25 percent to 40 percent in support … with a turnout of a thousand fewer voters,” Shepro said. “We improved by over a thousand votes.”

thanks Dennis

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Chicago Still & Box Alarm fire, 3-21-17 (part 2)

More photos from Matthew Sosnowski of the Chicago Still & Box Alarm fire, 3-21-17 

flames from attic at building fire

Matthew Sosnowski photo

Chicago FD Truck 41

Matthew Sosnowski photo

firefighters climb aerial ladder at fire

Matthew Sosnowski photo

firefighter prepares saw at fire scene

Matthew Sosnowski photo

Chicago FD Comm Van 275

Matthew Sosnowski photo

fire scene with smoke

Matthew Sosnowski photo

Chicago FD Engine 123

Matthew Sosnowski photo

Chicago FD Engine 88

Matthew Sosnowski photo

firefighters pose after battling a fire

Matthew Sosnowski photo

Chicago FD Squad 5

Matthew Sosnowski photo

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New engine for Bloomington

This from Bill Fricker:

Hello,
Here’s a photograph of the new E-One pumper for Engine Co.4 in Bloomington, IL Enjoy !
Bloomington, IL  Engine Co.4 – 2017 E-One Quest (e-Max) so#140424, 1500-gpm / 780-gbt
Bloomington FD Engine 4

Bloomington, IL Engine Co.4 – 2017 E-One Quest (e-Max) so#140424, 1500-gpm / 780-gbt – Bill Fricker photo

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