Local

Multiple Calls Empty Firehouse: Report from September 17-23


park forest fire department, fire truck, gear, empty firehouse
A truck and gear of the Park Forest Fire Department. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- During the week of September 17-23, the Park Forest Fire Department reported a total of 69 responses. Of these, 20 were for fire/service, 49 were EMS calls. On one day, the number of calls resulted in an empty firehouse.

During the previous week, there were 67 responses; 13 were for fire/service, and 54 were EMS calls.

Response Activities

Notable among last week’s responses was a call on Friday, September 22, when units were requested to assist the Matteson Fire Department with an ambulance response, provide an engine to Frankfort for station coverage on a box alarm, and then were requested to provide a response to Matteson on a possible trailer fire. These and another two EMS requests were all dispatched in just over 30-minutes, emptying out the Park Forest fire station of personnel and vehicles.

On Saturday, September 23, members of the fire department provided a medical stand-by at the Rich East Football game. While there was one minor response, the crew was at the ready in the event of an injury, illness, or other issues.

Training Activities

On Monday, September 18, shift members completed pre-plan activities. This training included a site visit.
On Tuesday, September 19, shift members completed a table top exercise. This exercise concentrated on patient triage and medical care.

Wednesday, September 20 thru Friday, September 22, shift members participated in continuing education testing required by South Cook County – EMS.

On Friday, September 22, members of the POC division completed a combined evening drill with the on-duty shift members. This training was a live fire exercise, which concentrated on company operations.

Fire Prevention Bureau Activities

On Saturday, September 23, members of the fire department hosted a car seat safety check in conjunction with a regional plan, providing information and guidance on the proper installation of child and infant car seats. This event took place at the Farmers’ Market and was open to residents of Park Forest and non-residents.

Other Activities

This week the Fire Chief attended the monthly meeting of the WILCO Fire Chief’s Association/MABAS Division 27. This meeting coordinates activities within the member departments for the greater good of the region. Topics include response guidelines, policy issues, asset use/storage/ maintenance and similar topics for departments of the region.

On Thursday, September 21 representatives of Park Forest, Matteson, Richton Park, Rich Township, School District 227 and the Cook County Department of Public Health met to work on the details of the emergency pharmaceutical distribution plan for the Matteson Area POD. This group is working with Cook County should there ever be a need to distribute mass medications to the populations of Park Forest, Matteson and Richton Park. This is a plan we hope never has to take place; however, it is better to be prepared should an incident come about. Details of the plan are kept in the strictest confidence so there is no opportunity for security breaches and hiccups in the plan.

Finally, on both Saturday and Sunday, the Fire and Police Commission held interviews for candidates for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic. This is the 3rd step in the process for candidates who seek placement on the eligibility list. This list will be in place for two years after publishing and candidates will be offered positions as they become available based on their position on the list. These interviews were held at the fire station and 20 candidates made their case for being number one on the upcoming list.


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