Archive for January 27th, 2013

Mokena fire apparatus

Images from Dylan Konchan of Mokena fire apparatus.

Mokena Fire Department ambulance 6634

Dylan Konchan photo

Mokena Fire department fire engine 6631

Dylan Konchan photo

Mokena Fire Department ladder truck

Dylan Konchan photo

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IL State Legislature Discusses Costs of EMS

The Quincy Herald-Whig has an article entitled Report shows funding vital to continue emergency medical services

A report from an Illinois task force says emergency medical services funding is vital to continue providing services, especially in rural areas.

The chairmen of the House Task Force on EMS Funding, Reps. Lisa Dugan, D-Bradley, and Don Moffitt, R-Galesburg, recommended that $40 million from gaming revenues be dedicated to EMS services, including grants for equipment purchases, 911 call centers, training and the interest-free loan program administered by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal to buy ambulances.

Other revenue generating ideas were a $1 license plate fee or a $2.50 fee for each tire sold in the state. A total on what is needed to maintain services statewide was not provided.

Even with many EMS providers struggling, there is no clear-cut solution. The task force met in Quincy in November 2011 to hear from local health care and EMS officials. Seventeen hearings in all were held statewide before the report was issued.

“It opened up the eyes for not only the legislators, but also those throughout the community in understanding the different needs among EMS agencies,” said Paul Davis, director of the Adams County Ambulance Service. “The needs throughout the state vary, especially in the rural areas where funding is crucial to keep the ambulances open.”

State Rep. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy, who served on the task force, said legislators could look at addressing EMS funding, but it is difficult with the condition of the state’s finances.

The entire article is HERE.

thanks Dennis

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Chicago 5-11 Alarm + 2 Specials 1-22-13 (pt14)

Unofficial rundown of companies and times for the 5-11 Alarm with 2 specials at 3757 S. Ashland Avenue on 1-22-13.

rundown list of units sent to fight the large warehouse fire in Chicago 1-22-13

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Chicago Fire Department Turret Wagon 6-7-1

There has been much conversation since the 5-11 Alarm with 2 Specials at 3757 S. Ashland Avenue on January 22, 2013 about the deployment and status of Turret Wagon 6-7-1, also known as ‘Big Mo’. We recently received the following CFD Operations Order 11-003 that was issued August 16, 2011.

Chicago Fire Department Operations Order 11-003

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Bensenville Battalion Chief Taking Chief Job in WA

The Peninsula Daily News (.com) has an article about

Lawrence Karp — a battalion chief with the Bensenville Fire Protection District in Bensenville, Ill., which is near Chicago’s O’Hare International airport — will earn $62,500 annually and receive health and retirement benefits at the mostly volunteer fire department, said Herb Beck, chairman of the Quilcene Fire Department board of commissioners.

Karp’s contract was finalized by a unanimous vote of Beck and fellow commissioners Gary Phillips and Debbie Randall on Tuesday.

Of the original 46 applicants, “all of them highly qualified,” Karp “stood out to me for his leadership capabilities,” Beck said.

The 50-year-old career firefighter has more than 27 years experience, all in Illinois, either at Bensenville, where he has worked since 1985, or at Stickney Fire Department — both close to his birthplace near Chicago.

The entire article is HERE.

thanks Josh

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