Archive for September 20th, 2012

Marion “Sully” Kolomay

Funeral arrangements for Marion "Sully" Kolomay

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Prospect Heights Achieves ISO Class 3

The JournalOnline has an article about the Prospect Heights Fire District receiving an ISO Class 3 rating.

For the first time in more than 15 years, the Prospect Hts. Fire Protection Dist. was re-evaluated by the Insurance Service Organization (ISO), and its ratings improved to a Class 3, making it among only 7% of Illinois communities and 4% nationally to achieve that rating.

“We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the ISO evaluation and results,” Fire Chief Donald Gould said. “This will allow residents and local businesses in our community to enjoy a relatively low fire insurance rating and a reduced cost for insuring their property.”

The ISO collects information on community fire departments throughout the country and analyzes relevant data using a fire suppression rating scale. Its data helps to establish appropriate fire insurance premiums for residential and commercial properties for insurance companies, who rely on its up-to-date information about a community’s fire-protection services.

Fire departments are assigned a Public Protection Classification, on a sale from 1-10. The highest possible classification is a 1, and a 10 indicates the fire suppression program does not meet ISO’s minimum criteria.

The ISO grading scale reviews three distinct areas of a fire protection service provider: receiving and handling fire alarms (10%), the fire department (50%) and water supply (40%).

The last time the fire district was rated by ISO was in 1996 and it received a Class 4 rating, but since that time, the fire district has made several positive changes, according Gould, in receiving and handling alarms, and to the fire district itself. He adds the district was within four points of receiving a Class 2 rating.

“The largest hurdle to overcome in the grading process remains in the area of water supply, which accounts for 40% of the overall rating,” Gould said.

In Prospect Hts., approximately 45% of the community relies on private wells to provide drinking water, with no available water for fire suppression. In these areas, the fire district must rely on its tanker truck, long hose lays to remote fire hydrants, and tanker trucks from other communities.

The entire article can be found HERE.

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Chicago Engine 77 – some partial history (part 10)

Bill Friedrich has submitted images of some older apparatus that has been assigned to Engine 77 in the past

Chicago Engien 77 1953 FWD

Engine 77 shown here running with a 1953 FWD (X-Engine 97). This unit had a 1,000-GPM pump and no water. This photo was taken after the ladder rack had been removed. Bill Friedrich collection

Bill notes that:

Obviously a spare, the company saved the shops time by putting their own numbers on the rig. This FWD is the former combination Engine 97 after the ladder rack was removed.  Note the apartment building just to the north of the station.

Chicago Engine 77 1970 Ford C8000 Ward LaFrance engine

Engine 77 had this 1970 Ward LaFrance engine on a Ford C8000 chassis. It carried 500 gallons of water and had a 1,000-GPM pump. Bill Friedrich photo

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Building fire in Robbins 9-19-12

This from Dennis McGuire, Jr.:

The Robbins Fire Department was toned out at approx. 11pm on 9/19/2012 for a reported structure fire in a vacant house at 137th St and Monticello. On the original tone out along with Robbins, they were assisted by Garden Homes FPD, Markham FD, Blue Island FD, and Dixmoor FD all with engines. Robbins Engine 2913 and Tower 2914 arrived to find smoke pushing from an ordinary, two-flat, vacant building being rehabbed. The crews found the main fire in the 1st floor rear with extension to the 2nd floor.
Command requested a Full Still off Box #2909 which brought in Midlothian FD with a squad, and Palos Heights FPD with an ambulance. Fire was under control approx. 1 1/2 hours later. The corrected address was 3617 S. Monticello Ave.
Building fire in Robbins IL on Monticello 9-19-12

Smoke pushes from the roofline as firefighters darken the interior fire. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

Building fire in Robbins IL on Monticello 9-19-12

Firefighters working from the Robbins tower ladder find fire in the soffit. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

Building fire in Robbins IL on Monticello 9-19-12

The fire vents along the roof line. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

Building fire in Robbins IL on Monticello 9-19-12

Firefighters making progress on the 2nd floor. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

Building fire in Robbins IL on Monticello 9-19-12

A Markham firefighter stands by with a line. Dennis McGuire, Jr.

Building fire in Robbins IL on Monticello 9-19-12

Garden Homes firefighters stand by. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

Building fire in Robbins IL on Monticello 9-19-12

The Robbins engine was on a hydrant in front of the building. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

Building fire in Robbins IL on Monticello 9-19-12

Robbins firefighters overhaul along the exterior of the roof. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

Building fire in Robbins IL on Monticello 9-19-12

Robbins setup the tower ladder on the ‘B’ side of the fire building. Dennis McGuire, Jr. photo

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CFD relocates Haz Mat 5-1-1

Chicago Fire Department Administrative Order A-15-12 relocation of Haz Mat Unit

Chicago Fire Department Haz Mat Unit District Boundaries

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