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Drexel Heights honors two firefighters for June rescue; chiefs report staffing, training and construction updates
Summary
The board presented Life Saving Medals to Firefighters John Ford and Luis Montano for a June 5 rescue after pulling a resident through window security bars. Chiefs also updated the board on recruitment and academy progress, station demolition and apparatus replacement plans, and ongoing CAD and records‑management transitions.
Firefighters John Ford and Luis Montano received Life Saving Medals from the Drexel Heights Fire District Board Aug. 28 for a June 5 rescue in which the two firefighters removed security bars from a bedroom window and pulled a male occupant to safety.
Fire Chief Chuck Wunder and District Administrator and Fire Chief Douglas Chappell described the June 5 incident at 2951 W. Calle Canario: Engines and squads were dispatched, crews found significant smoke and flame, and Firefighters Ford and Montano located a male occupant attempting to get fresh air through security bars. According to the chiefs’ account, Montano removed the bars without tools and, together with Ford, pulled the occupant through the window; the occupant refused transport after evaluation. "Your bravery and quick actions in this rescue are in line with the highest traditions of the fire service and reflect great honor on you," the chiefs told the two firefighters during the presentation.
Chief Chappell’s written monthly report provided broader operational updates. A recent joint recruitment with the South Battalion resulted in 11 firefighter hires and an academy that began Aug. 10 and was reported to be roughly halfway complete. The district expects to restore full operational staffing in September after academy graduations and noted one full‑time vacancy to be filled from the training class. The report also said Firefighter Joseph Sparacino is no longer with the district and that vacancies will be addressed by academy graduates.
Staff reported COVID‑19 continues to affect operations. Call volume remained high, employees are complying with mask requirements, and the district distributed branded face coverings to staff. Three volunteers (Jane and John Bauermann and Sue Stensel) resigned due to health concerns related to the pandemic; the district ordered plaques to recognize their service.
Capital projects and systems work were discussed. Station 401 demolition and site work have begun pending utility disconnects; the district expects to continue photo updates on the project via its website and social media. Both battalions plan to replace two pumpers each and are pursuing a joint order this fall to reduce cost. The board also heard that the district has begun records digitization and moved required paper files to the Prince Administration Center.
On information systems, Division Chief Dane Crouse reported the district is transitioning its records management and electronic patient care reporting from ZOLL to Image Trend, has purchased four iPads for field testing, and aims to have the new RMS/EPCR ready on or before Jan. 1, 2021. Separately, staff said the new CAD deployed by Rapid Deploy has experienced development problems; the district paused the new CAD, reverted to the old system temporarily, and gave Rapid Deploy 90 days to rebuild the system before considering contract termination.
July 2020 statistics in the packet showed 1,853 total calls for the month, including 518 rescue/EMS responses and 19 fire responses, with reported property and content loss of $301,000. Mutual aid exchanges with neighboring departments were noted in the report.
The presentation and operational updates provide context for staffing, equipment and capital decisions the board directed staff to pursue.
