Posts Tagged Rockford Fire Department

Rockford Fire Department news

Jun 27

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A veteran in the stateline is a proud winner of a 2018 Ford F-150. Rockford Firefighters Local 413 raises money so it can buy cars for wounded vets and this year’s lucky recipient is Ryan Curry.

Ryan was injured in Iraq in 2006 when his unit hit an I.E.D and was ambushed. He started a group for veterans with PTSD called “Beneath the Beard” and dedicates his time giving back to the community. He says that this new car will help him reach more people in the area.

Rockford Firefighters Local 413 are hosting a special game at the Rockford Rivets Stadium this Friday night and will sell special jerseys for Wheels 4 Warriors.

Tags: chicagoareafire.com, Rockford Fire Department, Rockford Firefighter's Union Local 413, Rockford Firefighters help local resident, Rockford Firefighters Local 413, Ryan Curry, Wheels 4 Warriors

Rockford Fire Department news

May 5

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Excerpts from wrex.com:

The Rockford Fire Department added Epi, a nearly 2-year-old arson dog, to the department back in December. In just those short 4 months, Epi has been able to make two arson arrests herself. The department says she was able to sniff out the suspect all the way back to their house to make the arrest.

With the new addition of four paws and a keen nose, the department says they have seen an increase in the amount of evidence found during arson investigations.

“Two years I’ve been an arson investigator, I think I’ve maybe taken 30-40 samples in those two years. I’ve taken well over 40 with her in just the last few months,” Rockford Fire Arson Investigator John McGee said.

Epi recently traveled to California for her ATF re-certification and received 100 percent on her exam.

Tags: arson arrest thanks to arson dog, arson dog Epi, Rockford Fire Department

New mobile command post for Rockford (more)

Jan 22

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Rockford has traded in their former mobile command post which is being offered for sale

From the LDV website:

This used mobile command center features a Freightliner MT-55 with 40′ overall length walk in van body as the platform. Full specifications are available upon request.

5.9L turbo charged 210HP Cummins diesel engine

Allison HD 4-speed automatic transmission

(4) Havis Shield 500w quick raise lights

20′ telescoping mast and camera system

Large exterior storage compartments

(2) Coleman 15,000BTU roof mounted a/c unit

Propane furnace with newer propane tank

Winegrad satellite system

Ample interior storage with freshly painted oak cabinets

Full galley area including microwave, coffee maker, sink and refrigerator (new in 2017)

Bench seating and large table in command area

LDV tv/monitors in work and command areas

Onboard weather station

Interior night lighting

VEHICLE DETAILS

Type Emergency Response Vehicles

Year 2000

Make LDV

Model Step van

Mileage 16500

Size/length 40 ft

Heat No

A/C No

Location Rockford, IL

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

• Freightliner MT-55

• 30′ walk in style van body

• 250″ wheel base

• Hydraulic brake system

• Kohler 15W liquid-cooled diesel generator with 2500 hours

• 22′ retractable awnings

• Heavy duty leveling system

Rockford Police Department mobile command post for sale

thanks Martin

Tags: former Rockord mobile command post for sale, Lynch Display Vehicles, Rockford Fire Department, Rockford Police Department mobile command post for sale

Rockford Fire Department news

Jan 9

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Excerpts from wifr.com:

Four months ago, 17 men and women became recruits for the Rockford Fire Department. Friday, 16 of them graduated.

Rockford Fire Chief Derek Bergsten says this class brings the fire department back to full staff. The 16 firefighters were selected from more than 600 applicants.

Included in the class is Natalie Adasiewicz who is one of fewer than ten women in the department and the sixth generation of firefighters in her family.

Tags: 16 graduate Rockford FD academy, 6th generation firefighter graduates from Rockford academy, Natalie Adasiewicz, Rockford Fire Chief Derek Bergsten, Rockford Fire Department

Rockford Fire Department news

Jan 6

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Excerpts from the rrstar.com:

Residents of the Buckingham Square Apartments were evacuated Wednesday as heavy smoke poured from the two-story building in the 4100 block of Florida Drive in Rockford.

Shortly before 1 p.m., a resident of the apartment complex went outside and flagged down a Rockford Fire Department vehicle that was headed to another call from Station No. 11, which is next door to the apartment building.

Rockford Fire Chief Derek Bergsten said the apartments are separated by fire walls. The cause of the fire as well as a damage estimate have yet to be determined.

thanks Scott

Tags: apartment fire in Rockford, Rockford Fire Department

Rockford Fire Department news

Dec 27

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Excerpts from wrex.com:

The Rockford Fire Department saved Christmas for one family after their home was nearly destroyed by a fire two weeks ago

The Rivas are just one of several families being adopted by the Rockford Fire Department this year. While firefighters typically deliver gifts to the family’s home, they made a special exception for the Rivas, bringing them to the station for a visit with Santa.

“We’re out all year long putting out all the fires we see all the devastation it causes families and we would just like to help out when we can other than just showing up and putting the fire out,” said Rockford Firefighter/Paramedic Chad Moe.

RFD delivered presents to 11 other families throughout the Rockford area.

Tags: fire department delivers gifts on Christmas, Rockford Fire Department, Rockford Firefighter/Paramedic Chad Moe

Rockford Fire Department news

Nov 4

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Excerpts from wrex.com:

Every day, paramedics in Rockford are seeing drug overdoses and they believe the problem is getting worse.

“Sometimes you get five or six in a day, “said Firefighter/Paramedic Matthew Unger.

“If we go a shift without having one then we’re pretty lucky,” said Firefighter/Paramedic A.J. Dilonardo.

Getting called for an overdose every day isn’t out of the norm for Rockford firefighters. They are responding to overdose calls more than ever before.

In 2010, they had 181 overdose calls. It saw peaks and valleys the next few years; 241 overdose calls in 2012, 181 in 2015. But so far 2017 has overshadowed them all with 254 overdose calls just through October.

“Not always does it get called out as an overdose, sometimes it gets called out as an unconscious person, unresponsive,” said Dilonardo,

Rockford’s ambulances are stocked with Narcan. Paramedics say they sometimes have to give people two, three even four doses of it to save someone from their overdose. And it’s not just heroin they’re seeing people overdose on.

“St. Anthony has been giving us a lot of training in how to recognize not just heroin overdose but fentanyl, and even now tranquilizers. Stuff that’s used for large animals that people are getting their hands on, ” said Lt. Trevor Hogan

There’s another dangerous and powerful opioid paramedics are preparing to see hit our streets. One that could spike our overdose numbers even more. It’s called .

“There hasn’t been any cases around here. There’s certain areas in the country this has been occurring but it’s the next step we could be seeing,” said Hogan.

Tags: ambulances stocked with Narcan, carfentanyl, Firefighter/Paramedic A.J. Dilonardo, Firefighter/Paramedic Matthew Unger, opioid drug overdoses bombard fire departments, Rockford Fire Department

Rockford Fire Department news

Nov 3

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Excerpts from wrex.com:

The Rockford Fire Department says Station 1 is just one of several that has been around for decades.

“Some of the buildings are from the ’20s and goes through the ’50s and ’60s,” Rockford Fire Chief Derek Bergsten says.

From old air conditioning systems to a leaking roof and a water system that seems to back up, the department says it’s time for some of these facilities to get a face lift. One of the key improvements it wants to make is revamping it’s layout to make sure the station is all on one level.

But, the City of Rockford says it’s facing a $10.2 million shortfall without any capitol improvements like the fire department needs. However, Mayor Tom McNamara says updating some Rockford Fire stations isn’t off the table. A proposal with capitol improvements would cost the city an extra $2 million next year alone.

At the end of the day, RFD says it’s all about providing their crews a suitable environment to work in.

The city has until March 31 to approve a budget.

Tags: Rockford Fire Department, Rockford wants to upgrade fire stations

Evanston Fire Department news

Oct 21

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Excerpts from the dailynorthwestern.com:

The Evanston Fire Department announced at a Tuesday meeting that it is considering the implementation of mobile healthcare as part of its community outreach program.

In its first ever community meeting, the fire department sought input from Evanston residents for a review of their 2014 strategic plan, which remains in effect until 2020. Division Chief Paul Polep said though EFD primarily interacts with community members at their worst moments, the department is trying to expand its outreach.

But four police department officials were greeted Tuesday night by an empty room at the Levy Senior Center.

In a discussion of their strategic plan, Fire Chief Brian Scott said the department was considering investing in a cutting edge mobile integrated healthcare program to Evanston.

The mobile healthcare program would allow residents to be treated in their own home instead of at the hospital. Under the new model, a nurse practitioner or physician assistant capable of making diagnoses and writing prescriptions would be sent to the patient’s home.

“It’s a better way to better serve the community,” Scott said. “It’s a better way to address people who have chronic health issues because sometimes 911 is all they have.”

This program could also be used by residents who suffer from serious illnesses like diabetes.

The mobile physician assistants and nurse practitioners would be provided by Presence Saint Francis Hospital and NorthShore University HealthSystem.

Scott said he looked to the Rockford Fire Department for inspiration after it implemented the program in 2014 through a partnership with SwedishAmerican. The fire department saw a 54 percent decrease in emergency department visits, a 38 percent drop in ambulance runs and a 28 percent reduction in hospital admissions by patients enrolled in the program.

The department’s goals extend beyond the mobile healthcare program. Scott said he also foresees the potential use of drones in future operations.

Scott, himself a recreational drone owner, said the drones could be used for extended operations including lakefront rescues and surveillance of buildings damaged by large disasters.

There will be two more community meetings on Nov. 4 and Nov. 15 where residents will have the opportunity to provide feedback regarding the strategic plan, Scott said. There is also an online survey where residents can express their expectations for the department.