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Reader submission

Nov 19

Posted by Admin in Fire Service News, Reader submission | 1 Comment

Hello

My name is Adrian and I would like to share my gratitude to you. I’m from a small town called Edgecumbe, which is in the North Island of New Zealand. I served 30 years as a Fire-Fighter in the Edgecumbe Volunteer Fire Brigade and retired holding the rank of Deputy Chief Fire Officer.
 
Whilst on holidays in the USA with my family we were visiting Chicago. While walking around the streets of Chicago, I/we were looking out for any Fire Houses. We came across Fire House – Engine 42. I was talking to one of the fire fighters and I asked him if there were any ceremonies with regards to 9/11. He said yes, that Engine 42 is the main place for that ceremony. He said that we were more than welcome to come along and watch.
 
The next day we arrived early and we were watching the setup for the ceremony. I was wearing my Edgecumbe Fire Brigade shirt that has our logo on the front and Fire Rescue on the back. I was also wearing a FDNY cap. 
 
A CFD Officer came up to me and said that I was more than welcome to join in and stand with the members of the Chicago Fire Department. I was blown away by this opportunity to stand side by side with them all. 
 
Then another CFD Officer came up to me and said stay here, don’t walk away. When he returned, he had Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt to meet me. I do not remember the CDF Officers name but he did send a group photo via this mobile number xxx-2449
 
I was absolutely overwhelmed and honored to have been part of this ceremony and meeting the Fire Commissioner.
 
I would be happy for you to share my Memorial Tribute Photo if you wish to do so.
 
Kind Regards
Adrian Anderson
#chicagoareafire.com; #ChicagoFD; #9/11Ceremony;
 
#chicagoareafire.com; #AdrianAnderson; #AnnetteNance-Holt; #ChicagoFD; #9/11Ceremony;

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Fire Service News – Mobile Integrated Healthcare program

Nov 12

Posted by Admin in Fire Service News | No Comments

Excerpts from Lake and McHenry County Scanner:

Multiple fire departments in Lake County have launched a program aimed at reducing 911 calls from people who routinely call for an ambulance in non-emergency situations.

The Wauconda Fire District created a Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) program in August in conjunction with the Round Lake, Antioch, Countryside, and Libertyville fire departments who cover 175 square miles in Lake County with a population of 175,000.

An MIH program identifies patients who are chronically ill and use 911 services and the hospital emergency department as their primary level of care. Once identified, the fire department will provide treatment and intervention to the patients in an attempt to decrease 911 calls and hospital emergency department use.

The goal of the program is to provide care with the intent of improving the patient’s specific health needs and overall quality of life.

The Wauconda Fire District began researching high-use patients in 2018 and found the ones who routinely call 911 typically suffer from diabetes, heart failure, COPD, or frequent falls. Paramedics would arrive at the patient’s homes and realize what was causing the avoidable falls.

MIH started in the United States in the rural setting after the Affordable Care Act and has since been expanding into suburban and urban areas. The MIH program in Lake County will allow the fire departments to transition from being reactive to proactive.

Some high-use 911 users lack food in their fridges or transportation to their doctors’ appointments, while others have blood sugar issues. 

The program is currently funded by grants from the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County, Lake County Community Foundation, Granger Foundation, Advocate Community Health, and ARPA funding distributed by the Lake County Board.

A new Illinois law going into effect in January 2026 will allow fire departments to be reimbursed by insurance companies for providing MIH services.

thanks Rob

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New use for former Chicago firehouse

Oct 25

Posted by Admin in Fire Service News | 1 Comment

Found at chicagosuntimes.com:

National Museum of Mexican Art gets $1 million to help convert Engine 109 and Truck 32’s old firehouse into youth arts center. The money is coming from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

#chicagoareafire.com; #ChicagoFD; #firehouse; #newuse;

This former firehouse at 2358 S. Whipple St. is being converted into a youth-focused arts center.Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

thanks Martin

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Illinois fire departments and utility crews support Milton relief efforts

Oct 10

Posted by Admin in Fire Service News | 2 Comments

Excerpts from abc7chicago.com:

As Floridians wake up and have a clearer look at the extent of the damage from Hurricane Milton, help is on the way.

Local crews and volunteers from Illinois are heading to Florida to support Milton relief efforts.

MABAS Illinois crews gathered near I-57 at the Wilmington and Peotone exits before heading south.

The team debriefed before 25 crew members and vehicles dispersed. ComEd also sent 60 underground employees to help repair damage and restore service down south.

Governor JB Pritzker said members of Illinois’ Emergency Management Team are also ready to deploy for clean up as soon as they’re needed.

 

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MABAS Swiftwater Teams Activated to North Carolina

Oct 3

Posted by Admin in Fire Service News | No Comments

From the MABAS Illinois Facebook page

#chicagoareafire.com; #HurricaneHelene; #ILTF-1; #MABAS;

click to download

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New engine for Lincolnwood

Sep 28

Posted by Admin in Fire Service News | 7 Comments

Found on the Pierce Flickr site:

Pierce, Lincolnwood Fire Department, IL, 39871-1

#chicagoareafire.com; #firetruck; #Pierce; #LincolnwoodFD;

Pierce composite

thanks Martin

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Fire Service News – NFPA Authorized Education Network (AEN)

Sep 26

Posted by Admin in Fire Service News | No Comments

From nfpa.org:

The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) today announced the launch of its Authorized Education Network (AEN), a global initiative designed to meet the increasing demand for high-quality safety training. Through the AEN, NFPA-approved instructors will deliver NFPA training courses via a network of authorized training providers, offering unparalleled access to the expertise that professionals worldwide rely on to address evolving safety challenges.

Why Become an NFPA Authorized Training Provider?

Organizations and individuals within the fire, electrical, and life safety sectors are invited to apply to become NFPA authorized training providers. Whether a safety-focused association, a consulting firm, or a training company, joining the AEN will allows companies and training professionals to offer valuable, recognized training that can significantly boost their reputation and value.

The benefits of becoming an NFPA authorized training provider, include:

  • World-class Training: Access to NFPA-developed training courses and materials created by the leading experts in safety.
  • Speed-to-Market: Save time and resources by delivering ready-made, high-quality training content.
  • Instructor Expertise: Leverage the experience of NFPA-approved instructors, ensuring that stakeholders receive the best possible training.
  • Ease of Management: Utilize NFPA’s online Learning Portal to manage classes and students easily.
  • Credibility: Display a verifiable and digitally shareable NFPA authorized training provider badge issued by Credly to demonstrate the organization’s status with NFPA.

Who Should Apply?

The NFPA AEN is open to a wide range of individuals and organizations in the safety industry, including:

  • Associations looking to elevate membership value.
  • Experienced training professionals seeking to expand their safety training services.
  • Training companies and educational institutions aiming to enhance their offerings.
  • Corporations seeking instructor-led training to improve workforce safety.
  • Companies dedicated to advancing safety for clients and adding value to their services.

Courses Available Through the AEN

The AEN will offer some of NFPA’s most sought-after instructor-led training courses, covering topics such as building and life safety, fire protection systems, electrical safety, industrial and chemical hazards, emergency response, and NFPA certification preparation. Most courses will be available in the latest edition of the NFPA codes and standards in English, with a selection also offered in Spanish. As the program evolves, NFPA will continue to update and expand its course offerings.

How to Join the NFPA Authorized Education Network

NFPA is now accepting applications for both authorized training providers and NFPA-approved instructors. To take advantage of this opportunity follow these simple steps:

  1. Create an account on the NFPA website (or log into your existing account)
  2. Apply to be an authorized training provider or instructor on the AEN web page

For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research, and resources, please visit the NFPA press room.

 

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Buffalo Grove Fire Department news

Sep 20

Posted by Admin in Fire Service News | No Comments

Excerpts from Village of Buffalo Grove on Facebook:

At the recent village board meeting, Fire Chief Larry Kane presented a unit citation for bravery to members of Tower Ladder 25 (from L to R): Lieutenant Daniel Downey, Firefighter Phillip Schroeder and Firefighter Kyle Ditthardt.
 
On August 14, they responded to a mutual aid call for a structure fire with trapped occupants at an apartment building in Arlington Heights. Upon arriving, they located and rescued several occupants from the balconies on the back of the structure.
 
After rescuing these individuals, Lieutenant Downey and Firefighter Schroeder entered the building and completed a search while facing high heat and heavy smoke, where they found no additional occupants. Their teamwork and quick thinking had a positive outcome on the lives of four individuals.
#chicagoareafire.com; #BuffaloGroveFD; #DanielDowney; #PhillipSchroeder; #KyleDitthardt;

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Townhouse fire in Arlington Heights, 8-9-24

Aug 11

Posted by Admin in Fire Service News | No Comments

This from Larry Shapiro:

The Arlington Heights Fire Department responded to a reported fire in a townhouse at 2110 S Crambourne Way on Saturday night 8-9-24. The first arriving company reported heavy fire from two units and requested an upgrade to a Code 4 Working Fire and then a MABAS Box Alarm. Firefighters made quick work of knocking down the fire before all of the responding units arrived on the scene. 

Here are some images taken well after the fire was extinguished.

#chicagoareafire.com; #larryshapiro; #shapirophotography.net; #townhousefire; #ArlingtonHeightsFD; #firescene; #aftermath;

Larry Shapiro photo

#chicagoareafire.com; #larryshapiro; #FireTruck; #Pierce; #shapirophotography.net; #townhousefire; #RollingMeadowsFD; #firescene; #aftermath;

Larry Shapiro photo

#chicagoareafire.com; #larryshapiro; #shapirophotography.net; #townhousefire; #ArlingtonHeightsFD; #firescene; #aftermath;

Larry Shapiro photo

#chicagoareafire.com; #larryshapiro; #shapirophotography.net; #townhousefire; #ArlingtonHeightsFD; #firescene; #aftermath;

Arlington Heights Box alarm townhouse fire at 2110 S Crambourne Way 8-9-24. Larry Shapiro photo

Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro photo
Arlington Heights Box alarm townhouse fire at 2110 S Crambourne Way 8-9-24. Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro photo

[Show slideshow]

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Wisconsin Fire Service news

Aug 7

Posted by Admin in Fire Service News | 7 Comments

Excerpts from wpr.org:

Half of Wisconsin’s fire chiefs said they don’t have the financial resources to cover their budgets. And more than 10 percent of the state’s fire departments had at least one instance over the last year where a service call was not responded to, according to a recent survey.

Increasing call volumes, difficulty recruiting, and funding shortfalls were the common themes among fire chiefs who responded to a survey from the Whitburn Center for Governance and Policy Research at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. 

Wisconsin currently has 761 fire departments serving communities of all types across the state. Just 43 of those departments are staffed entirely by paid career firefighters. The rest are staffed by a combination of paid and volunteers, with more than 600 departments manned entirely by volunteers.

Wisconsin’s shared revenue compromise was intended to bring some financial relief to struggling fire departments. How much money municipalities dedicate to fire departments is yet to be determined. 

In Milwaukee, the deal included more than $200 million in revenue for the city. It also led to the reopening of a fire station in January after years of cuts. Six fire stations have closed in the city of Milwaukee in recent years due to financial constraints, leading to increased response times for residents.

The deal for Milwaukee also stipulated the fire department maintain an on-duty staff of 218 firefighters by 2033. To help meet that goal, the city’s budget included funding for six new firefighter positions this year, which will bring their daily staffing to 198.

Oshkosh Fire Chief Michael Stanley has been with the department for six years. He was previously with the Aurora, Colorado department, which is part of the South Metro Fire Rescue. The team covers nearly 300 square miles with 30 stations, providing services to 540,000 residences. He believes similar fire districts could work in Wisconsin. 

It would take legislation to enable fire leaders to create a voluntary fire district. Doing so would include a dedicated funding source and include a mechanism for accountability. 

In 1995, the municipalities north of Milwaukee signed intergovernmental agreements for fire departments and dispatch services. The shared service model is considered a success. 

Today, the North Shore Fire/Rescue covers the city of Glendale and the villages of Bayside, Brown Deer, Fox Point, River Hills, Shorewood and Whitefish Bay. The seven municipalities have a population of approximately 65,000 and cover 25 square miles.

In June 2024, the North Shore team responded to 817 emergency medical calls and 303 fire and rescue calls. 

thanks Rob

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