The 2023 year for the Tolono Fire Protection District proved to be another busy year for call volume and training.
Call Volume
o Total Calls-500
o EMS -303
o Fire-104
o Rescue-54
o Public Assist-37
o EMA Activations-2
Training
o We increased our hands on training to include more practical skills. We participated in 6 live fire burns at the Illinois Fire Service Institute. This was a focus in 2023.
o We had multiple mutual aid trainings that included live fire, auto extrication,
FSVO
Grants
o We received a 1,000 dollar grant from Illinois American Water in which we purchased new nozzles for E2451
o Our 2% and Firefighters Association purchased some new chairs for our members in our report writing room
o We were unsuccessful in obtaining grants from OSFM or AFG
Public Outreach
o We participated in the Annual Fun Day festival and provided EMS and Fire Suppression in the park. With the dry conditions members applied water to the field so we could have a fireworks show
o Members provided EMS for all Unity High School home football games
o We provided fire safety education to Unity West Grade School, Hand and Hand Daycare, and other community groups
o We assisted in the reunification drills and fire drills at Unity
o We added 3 new members to our organization two of which obtained their EMR certification
Department Information
o 13 of our 22-member roster were above 10% in calls for the year
o All Members were compliant with our training policy including attending a minimum of 3 live fire burns
o We sold Rescue/Brush Truck 2479
o We Purchased new to us SCBA’s with the money we obtained from 2479
o We Took delivery on a new pickup truck
Conclusion
As we close this chapter we look forward to the exciting challenges of 2024. We have made steps to prepare ourselves to be successful and operate outside of our comfort zone. In an effort to grow our organization the command staff and members have to be committed to nontraditional methods and ways of thinking.
We hope to foster an environment in which people can bring ideas forward and help us continue to meet our goals. This is making sure we are providing the highest level of emergency services to our customers.
Sincerely,
Chris M Humer
Fire Chief