TribLocal recently reported that Tinley Park is considering the addition of live-in firefighters, a significant shift from its origins as a 13-member volunteer fire department established in 1901. Today, with over 120 firefighters, the department operates four stations around the clock. Live-in accommodations are already in place at Stations 1 and 4, and plans are underway to upgrade Stations 2 and 3 for similar arrangements starting in 2013 or 2014. These upgrades, estimated to cost around $1 million, include expanding living spaces, creating separate washroom and shower facilities for men and women, and improving exercise and office areas to better support the 24-hour schedule with four firefighters per shift.
Trustee Brian Maher, who heads the Village Board's Public Safety Committee, noted that these changes are designed to bring Stations 2 and 3 up to minimal residential standards. He explained, "It's not ideal, but we want to make these stations functional sooner rather than later." Maher referenced the successful model implemented at Station 4, emphasizing the importance of adapting these older stations to modern operational needs.
Meanwhile, another TribLocal article explores the fate of Tinley Park's aging Seagrave aerial ladder truck, which dates back to 1975. The village fire department recently acquired a brand-new 100-foot ladder truck, rendering the older vehicle obsolete. Assistant Fire Chief Steve Klotz stated that the outdated truck could potentially be donated to the volunteer fire department in Marshall, Indiana, provided they can cover the insurance costs. This recommendation comes after the village decided to remove both the ladder truck and a 1994 pumper truck from service due to concerns over state fire safety ratings.
Committee member Tom Staunton expressed support for the donation, stating, "If it helps them, it's a great move." Committee Chairman Brian Maher highlighted Tinley Park's tradition of aiding less fortunate communities, recalling past donations such as squad cars given to Iron Mountain in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Maher noted that scrapping the ladder truck would yield only around $8,000 in salvage value, whereas donating it to Marshall could provide far greater utility. Should the Village Board approve, Tinley Park plans to charge a nominal fee and ensure legal protection against liability.
Fire Chief Ken Dunn played a key role in identifying the recipient fire department in Marshall, underscoring the camaraderie within the firefighting community. Klotz humorously mentioned that transporting the slow-moving ladder truck would be left to the volunteers, who might need to arrange their own logistics.
These articles reflect Tinley Park's ongoing commitment to both modernizing its firefighting capabilities and fostering goodwill through resource sharing. The proposed upgrades at Stations 2 and 3 demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to maintaining efficient emergency services, while the potential donation of the ladder truck highlights a willingness to assist smaller, less equipped departments. Both initiatives underscore the evolving priorities of a community that values both progress and collaboration.
For those interested in Tinley Park's firefighting history, the former Truck 276—a 1976 Seagrave 100-foot aerial ladder—remains a nostalgic reminder of past efforts. Its retirement coincides with the arrival of cutting-edge technology, ensuring that Tinley Park remains prepared for contemporary challenges. As the village continues to adapt, it does so with an eye toward both innovation and generosity.
A historic glimpse at Tinley Park’s firefighting legacy with former Truck 276. Bill Friedich photo
As the community looks ahead, these stories illustrate a balance between honoring the past and embracing the future, ensuring that Tinley Park remains a leader in public safety and civic responsibility.
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