New Lenox Fire Protection District

History

Three members of the community met in May 1940 with the intent of forming a Fire Protection District. In October 1940, by special election, the New Lenox Fire Protection District was formed. In November, after passage of a referendum, officers were elected to the first Fire District Board which was to have three members: Ed Sheel as President, John Francis, Secretary, and Ed Hahney as Treasurer.

In 1946 the first fire station was built at 201 N. Church Street where it still stands today. In 1970, Station 2 was built just north of Station 1 on Cedar Road due to the increase in traffic on the Rock Island tracks and constant flooding of Hickory Creek. These two stations were run entirely by volunteer firefighters. Often several wives of these firefighters would answer emergency calls on red phones in their homes, then set off a siren and a page to notify the firefighters of an emergency.

As New Lenox grew so did the demand on the fire district. In order to keep up with a growing number of calls in the south-west corner a third station was added. Initially, the District rented space in an industrial condo with a fire engine manned by volunteers. In 1984 the District’s first full-time Fire Chief was hired, Ken Hossack, who served until his retirement in 2006. Finally, in 1986 the construction of Station 3 was completed at the corner of Nelson Rd and Country Creek Dr.

In 1989 the Fire District passed a referendum to add an ambulance district. Just a few months later the district purchased an ambulance and hired their first seven Firefighter / Paramedics. They were located at Station 1 and assisted the volunteers in both fire and medical calls.

Station 4 was constructed in 1996 providing better service to the North-East area of the District. Then in 2001, Station 1 and the Fire District Administrative Offices moved to its current location and the original Fire Station 1 on Church Street was closed. Currently the District staffs 4 fire stations, 24 hours a day, utilizing 45 firefighters and 5 paid on call members.

Fire Stations

Currently there are four stations located throughout the District staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Ambulances

There are four font line ambulances and 1 reserve all ready for emergency response. Each ambulance is equipped for Advanced Life Support (ALS) service including new Zoll 12 lead monitors.

Fire Engines

The District has four fire engines which have a pump and water tank, ladders, tools, and saws. Three engines carry heavy rescue equipment automobile for accidents and all four engines carry Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment to respond to medical emergencies.

Fire Truck

Currently the District has one truck located at Station1. Like an engine the truck has both a tank and pump, but the truck carries additional tools and ladders. The main feature of the truck is the 105’ aerial ladder which can be used for access to not only residences but larger buildings such as the high-schools and the new Silver Cross Hospital. The truck also carries Advance Life Support (ALS) equipment.

Brush Truck

The brush truck is located at Station 3 where it responds to brush and other fires where access is limited. The brush truck is a pickup truck that contains a 200-gallon water tank and pump and other specialized tools used for wild land fire extinguishment.