Archive for July 15th, 2016

Freeport Rural Fire Department news

Excerpts from restart.com:

Freeport Rural Fire Department Lt. Eric Kohlbauer died Tuesday after an apparent medical emergency arose while he prepared to train, Fire Chief Mike Wichman said.

Stephenson County Coroner Tom Leamon said an autopsy performed confirmed Kohlbauer died of a heart-related medical problem. Tests are being conducted to determine whether prescription medication or other drugs were in his system.

Kohlbauer, 52, had volunteered 29 years for the rural fire department and was not known to suffer from any medical condition. Wichman said volunteers had set up a portable tank about 7:30 p.m. when Kohlbauer bent and collapsed. Those on site tried to help.

“His eyes were open, but he wasn’t communicating,” Wichman said.

An ambulance arrived within minutes and transported him to FHN Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead “within the hour,” Wichman said.

Stephenson County Sheriff David Snyders said Kohlbauer had been a maintenance supervisor at the Stephenson County Courthouse since 2003.

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New ambulance for Lincolnshire-Riverwoods FPD

From the Foster Coach Sales website:

New ambulances for the Lincolnshire-Riverwoods FPD.

Foster Coach Sales photo

thanks Al

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Chicago Still & Box Alarm fire, 7-14-16

This from Josh Boyajian:

I took in a Still in a high-rise Thursday @ 3245 S Prairie. First companies reported nothing showing from a 9-sty building. When I arrived, Battalion 2 requested a Box & Plan for a working fire on the 2nd floor. There was a little fire showing on the 2nd floor in the rear of the building. Engine 19 had a long lead out to the fire room. The fire was brought under control very quick.

smoke from high-rise building fire in Chicago

Josh Boyajian photo

smoke from high-rise building fire in Chicago

Josh Boyajian photo

smoke from high-rise building fire in Chicago

Josh Boyajian photo

smoke from high-rise building fire in Chicago

Josh Boyajian photo

smoke from high-rise building fire in Chicago

Josh Boyajian photo

Chicago FD Engine 19

Josh Boyajian photo

fire scene in Chicago

Josh Boyajian photo

Chicago firefighters at work

Josh Boyajian photo

Chicago FD Truck 11

Josh Boyajian photo

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Elmhurst Fire Department news

Excerpts from the City of Elmhurst:

City of Elmhurst unveils new fire truck

New Fire Truck Ceremony

Elected Officials, city staff, and fire department personnel have officially welcomed a new tower ladder to the City of Elmhurst.

During a ceremonial unveiling of the new apparatus which took place on Monday July 11th at 9 a.m., Father Andrew of Saint Demetrios Church in Elmhurst blessed the new truck and Interim Fire Chief Bill Anaszewicz thanked elected officials and the apparatus committee for all of the work put into the designing of the new apparatus.

The city purchased the new ladder truck in June 2015 from Emergency One where it then went through one year of building and testing before being ready for service.

Several upgraded features to the new truck include a new pump configuration and controls, improved LED lighting, and a state of the art basket design making it easier for firefighters to carry tools, conduct rescues, and access roofs. The new ladder truck cost approximately $960,000 and has a life expectancy of over 20 years.

The ceremonial unveiling of the new ladder truck also included a wet down, a long-standing fire service tradition where new apparatus is anointed with water by local clergy and then cleaned and slowly rolled backwards into the bay by firefighters.

Also in attendance was special guest John Dramm, a 94 year-old retired firefighter who was one of the last drivers of the city’s antique Seagrave pumper. After the ceremony, firefighters took Mr. Dramm for a ride on the antique fire truck.

thanks Dennis

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