Archive for April, 2020

River Grove Fire Department news

Excerpts from Chicago.cbslocal.com:

River Grove Firefighter Robert “David” Reisinger had recently recovered from COVID-19, but he then had a fatal stroke. Reisinger had been a dedicated village employee since 2002, and was also a retired EMS coordinator for Stroger Hospital of Cook County.

“His job of protecting the public, not only through firefighting but the constant threat of the COVID-19 has taken its ultimate toll,” the River Grove Fire Department said on Facebook. “Our fire house is like family and this is a tragedy that has affected our entire village. We extend our heartfelt sorrow to his family and loved ones.”

Black and purple bunting were draped outside Reisinger’s firehouse in River Grove Wednesday night.

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Fire service news – Coronavirus COVID-19

Excerpts from Chicago.cbslocal.com:

Some Chicago firefighters and paramedics will now be tested for coronavirus before and after work at specific firehouses. It begins today at two firehouses.

At least nine Chicago Fire Department members who work at the firehouse at 71st and Parnell have tested positive for COVID-19, and there may be more. “Hot” houses like that one are prompting the city and CFD to start shift change testing for the illness as a way to keep it from spreading as department cases keep rising. Several firehouses fit the “hot” criteria, including those at O’Hare and Midway. The firefighters’ union bought thermometers for every firehouse recently as an added symptom check layer.

In addition to firehouse testing, effective this week, all CFD firefighters are required to wear masks in rigs and firehouses.

Currently 151 department members have tested positive for COVID-19. 82 of those have recovered and are back to work, and 31 members are in self-quarantine.

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New engines for Chicago (more)

This from Danny Nelms:

Here is a new JC Medina photo of Engine 93.
2020 E-ONE Cyclone fire engine in Chicago

JC Medina photo

more photos HERE

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Dixmoor Fire Department history

This from Mike Summa for #TBT:

For TBT- Dixmoor’s E2403, a 1984 Hendrickson/Pierreville 1500/750.  Delivered in white with a blue stripe.  Repainted later black over red.
Mike Summa
Dixmoor FD history

Mike Summa photo

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New engine for Kaneville VFD

From the Fire Service Inc. Facebook page:

Congratulations Kaneville Volunteer Fire Department on their order of a new 2020 E-ONE custom rescue pumper!

We are confident your community will benefit from this trusted apparatus!

drawing of E-ONE fire truck

click to download

 

drawing of E-ONE fire truck

click to download

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New ambulance for Niles

From the Foster Coach Sales Website:

extended cab Type 1 ambulance

Foster Coach Sales photo

extended cab Type 1 ambulance

Foster Coach Sales photo

thanks Martin

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Fire service news – Coronavirus COVID-19 in Cicero

Excerpts from wttw.com:

Suburban Cicero has seen one of the highest COVID-19 infection rates in Cook County, reporting 844 confirmed cases Monday with 18 deaths. 

“I think it’s due to the demographics of the town, so many people in such a close proximity, so many people living in a three-flat and things like that,” said Cicero Fire Chief Dominick Buscemi, who is part of the town’s emergency committee handling the pandemic response. 

A huge chunk of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Cicero have occurred at one nursing home, City View Multicare Center on Cermak Road. The facility has seen over 200 confirmed cases, with eight deaths.  Its handling of the coronavirus has drawn the ire of local officials, and the facility is now under investigation by the Illinois Department of Public Health. 

“We’re trying to get a handle on it, we’re trying to figure out what’s happening [there],” Buscemi said. “At the onset of the pandemic, I don’t think they were taking the precautions they needed to take. I don’t think that the PPE (personal protective equipment) was being work by the staff members. I don’t think residents were being secluded.” 

Buscemi says the town has served the nursing home with several citations so far. 

Cicero has also issued five executive orders targeting COVID-19 on top of statewide measures. In mid-April, it mandated that masks be worn by everyone going into public buildings, like grocery stores. 

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Fatal crash in Wheeling, 4-25-20

Excerpts from the DailyHerald.com:

A crash occurred about 12:30 a.m. Saturday morning in Wheeling when a vehicle traveling northbound on Wolf Road struck and crossed the raised concrete median. The vehicle entered the southbound lanes, left the road, and struck a parked unoccupied vehicle and tree in the 600 block of North Wolf Road. At some point after the impact, the vehicle ignited and became fully engulfed in flames. A single occupant was located in the left front seat who was unresponsive on scene and later transported to the Cook County Medical Examiner and pronounced dead.

Nobody else was injured and the investigation is ongoing.

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St. Charles Fire Department news

Excerpts from the kcchronicle.com:

St Charles Fire Department Fire Chief Scott Swanso

St Charles Fire Department photo

Scott Swanson is set to be appointed the new fire chief of the St. Charles Fire Department at Monday’s special meeting of the St. Charles City Council. Swanson had been serving as acting fire chief since October, when former Chief Joseph Schelstreet retired. Monday’s meeting will be a audio/visual teleconference.
 
Swanson joined the St. Charles Fire Department full-time in 1988. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1992, captain in 2003, battalion chief in 2009, and assistant fire chief in 2013. He also previously served as acting fire chief in 2007, during the transition between previous fire chiefs. Swanson holds a bachelor degree in fire service management from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and a master degree in management and organizational behavior from Benedictine University in Lisle.

The St. Charles Fire Department earned a Class 1 PPC ISO rating and is fully accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International and the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc.

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New engine for Loves Park

From the MacQueen Emergency Group Facebook page:

Final inspection time!

Here’s a preview of the Loves Park, Illinois Impel® PUC™ Pumper. This will be the department’s second Pierce Mfg apparatus (they purchased a 107? Ascendant aerial last year).

We’re so glad these essential workers are getting their new apparatus—arriving this spring!

Pierce Impel PUC fire engine

MacQueen Emergency Group photo

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