The Prospect Heights Fire Protection District is pleased to announce that Lieutenant Jason Hardy has been named its 2021 Firefighter of the Year. Fire Chief Drew Smith presented Lieutenant Hardy with the award.

This year three members each nominated one of their peers for the honor with Lieutenant Hardy receiving the most votes. Here is what the nominating member had to say:

“My nomination for ... (Full Story & Photos)

The Prospect Heights and Wheeling fire departments were called to Chicago Executive Airport at 11:01 a.m. for an incident involving a small aircraft. Specialized Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting apparatus responded along with other fire apparatus and ambulances.

The aircraft registration number is N99715 and is a Cessna 172P Skyhawk II. During a takeoff or landing, the single-engine plane left ... (Full Story & Photos)

Here is a 90 second video on the different sounds alarms make.
Know the difference!... (Full Story)

The theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week is “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety,” focusing on educating the public on the different sounds smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms make.

Attached is a Safety Tip Sheet, "Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety," highlighting both smoke alarms and CO alarms.

There is a version is also available for those who are deaf or hard of hearing on teh NFPA webiste. ... (Full Story)

IDPH Launches Online ‘Vax Verify’ System

Check your COVID-19 vaccination record on new immunization portal

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is launching a new immunization portal, Vax Verify, that will allow Illinois residents 18 years and older to check their COVID-19 vaccination record. Vax Verify can be accessed at https://idphportal.illinois.gov.

“As more businesses, ... (Full Story & Photos)

Earlier this morning Prospect Heights and Wheeling Paramedic/Firefighters were dispatched to an aircraft crash. A helicopter that presumably just took off from Chicago Executive (Palwaukee) Airport crashed into the intersection ot Milwaukee Avenue and Apple Drive. This is south of Palatine Road and north of the intersection with River Road. The only soul on board was the pilot and he experienced non-life ... (Full Story & Photos)

Much has changed in auto occupant protection over the past 30 years. Cars react to protect the occupants rather than contribute to injuries. In many cases we arrive to find a mangled, destroyed auto but the occupants are not trapped and injuries are not severe. As such, we use our skills less but keeping them sharp and ready is no less important. Whether we rescue one or 100 people, each time are ... (Full Story & Photos)

Firefighter Promoted and two new Firefighter/Paramedics Appointed to the PHFD

The Prospect Heights Fire Protection District is pleased to announce the promotion of Firefighter Jason Hardy to the rank of lieutenant and the appointment of two new firefighter/paramedics, Omar Acevedo and Mark Martinelli.

On Wednesday evening, April 28 a small group of family and friends were present as the Oath of ... (Full Story & Photos)

At 05:07 on Saturday, May 1 Prospect Heights and Wheeling firefighter/paramedics were dispatched to an auto accident with preports of persons possibly trapped on eastbound Palatine Road near Wolf. First arriving units found a minivan on fire and at least two other cars involved. The fire and other vehicles were located just east of the Canadian National rail road bridge. A Superior ambulance traveling ... (Full Story & Photos)

All this month the PHFD firefighters are performing annual hose testing. Every piece of fire hose, some nearly nearly four miles worth of hose, is taken off the fire trucks, filled with water, and pressure tested to insure it does not leak or have bad couplings.

As part of this process we are training ten newer members to be able to operate the fire pumps on our trucks. There is no point in being ... (Full Story & Photos)