Archive for March 9th, 2017

Fox River and Countryside Fire Rescue District news (more)

Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:

If Fox River and Countryside Fire Protection District’s upcoming referendum question seeking to increase the property tax levy by 95 percent fails, Fire Chief John Nixon said the fire district would likely fold within two years.

“It would be a slow and painful death,” Nixon said. “I wouldn’t give it more than two years.”

If the fire district closed, the State Fire Marshal would be responsible for dividing up its coverage area to neighboring fire districts. It would mean residents within the fire district would see emergency response time increase by 12 to 15 minutes, he said.

“It is not in our nature to be intimidating or threatening,” Nixon said. “We have to show people the facts and you can draw your own conclusions.”

Nixon outlined the district’s finances and the referendum question on the April 4 ballot at a town hall meeting Monday. The meeting was for informational purposes and neither Nixon nor the board could take a stand.

The referendum question asks should the property tax levy be increased from the lesser of 5 percent or the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index over the prior levy year to 95 percent per year for the 2017 levy year.

A property owner with a home valued at $300,000 would pay an additional $300 a year, Nixon said. If approved, the referendum would generate an increase of $2.5 million.

Compared to neighboring fire district, Fox River and Countryside Fire Protection District would continue to have the lowest tax rate, he said. As a fire protection district, it only has one source of revenue: property taxes.

The fire district does not have any money set aside for a capital asset replacement fund and has aging equipment. Equipment such as life packs are becoming obsolete and need to be replaced. A single life pack costs $40,000 and the they have five. There is not $200,000 to replace that equipment.

District officials said the plan is to use the money generated from the referendum for a capital asset replacement fund, personnel, and equipment.

Currently, the fire district has two firefighters per engine. Fire safety standards recommend four. There should be two paramedics per ambulance call, however the fire district operates with one paramedic and one EMT.

The fire district handles calls within a 38 square mile area. Twenty seven percent of the calls are overlapping, meaning firefighters need to rely on mutual aid.

“This is a plan, it is a responsible plan,” Nixon said. “It presents a model for sustaining (the district). Our goal is a sustainable operation for the fire and ambulance service for years to come. Every dollar is accountable to you, the taxpayers.”

The fire district has been doing a social media campaign and has a website dedicated to the referendum. There is another town hall meeting scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 13 at the Campton Township Community Center, 5N082 Old LaFox Road.

thanks Dan & Scott

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Phoenix Fire Department news (more)

This from Brad Steinweg:

The Phoenix Fire Department recently took possession of former North Palos engine 803. I submitted a post previously, but had no picture. It is a 1988 Spartan Gladiator. Photo credit goes to Tom Burns.
Phoenix FD (IL) Engine 1715

Tom Burns photo

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As seen around … Chicago

This from Bob Carroll:

Not something you see everyday. Squad 5 at a pedestrian struck by a train Addison/Central Park. Also looks like the new squad went into service.
-Bob
(Photo is from captured news)

Chicago FD Squad 5

Photo is from captured news

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Prospect Heights Fire District history

This from Drew Smith:

Assuming this photo was taken in 1946: Pumper on the left is thought to be a 1926 purchased used in 1945. The original firehouse was built by volunteers in 1948 and in 1948 took delivery of a Ford/Darley which isn’t in the photo. Prior to having a firehouse, the rigs were stored in or behind a gas station (now gone – burned down in late 1970s) at the northwest corner of Elmhurst Rd (IL route 83) and Camp McDonald Road.

Drew Smith, EFO/CFO, LP

1946 Dodge/Darley 300/500 fire engine

Prospect Heights Fire Department history. Dan Martin photo

Prospect Heights Fire Department history original firefighters

Prospect Heights Fire Department history.

historic fire engine from Prospect Heights IL

Prospect Heights Fire Department history.

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