Fire chief reports 2,921 calls in five months, cites grant applications and new ambulance contract

The fire chief reported to the Lincoln Park City Council that, over the last five months, the department responded to 2,921 service calls, roughly 2,200 of which were medical calls, and recorded 55 fires (36 building fires). He said the department handled 90 motor-vehicle accidents with injury, made 310 fire-code inspections and distributed 75 smoke detectors.

"We've done 2,921 service calls. 2,200 of those have been EMS," the chief said during his presentation. He noted that the department has given mutual aid 22 times and received mutual aid 83 times and that this is the second consecutive two-year period without a civilian fatality in a fire.

On equipment and grants, the chief said staff submitted an application for a new fire engine ($945,000), a SAFER grant to fund firefighters ($3.5 million) and other CDBG requests for turnout-gear washers, smoke detectors, fans and replacement SCBA bottles. He also told the council the city has a new three-year ambulance contract with Ameripro that places two 24-hour ambulances and a 12-hour "power car" in service, which staff said should reduce reliance on mutual aid for medical calls.

Council members asked about summer safety; the chief emphasized local rules on burn pits (seasoned wood only; no leaves or garbage) and advised residents to be courteous to neighbors, especially those with respiratory issues, and to vent portable air-conditioning units properly.

The council acknowledged the department's community engagement activities, including school visits and planned public events. The chief said additional equipment replacements (a front-line engine, ladder truck and rescue vehicle) are likely within the next 5-10 years due to normal service life.