While we don't have names for the members in the photo (yet?) this shot is of the original station on Wood Avenue, with Units 1 (1947 IH/Bean) and Unit 2 (1950 Howe).
This photo was donated by Gunnar A. Nelson in 2010 (who is described as the middle man on the passenger side fender of Unit 1). His notes indicated he thought the photo was taken in 1950 or 1951.
They would stand on the back of the rig responding to calls wouldn't they?
This is a really good picture
Quick question. Is the new station manned 24/7?
This photo is from a fire at one of the Northway Park apartment buildings, in the bitter cold, possibly December of 1975. Retired Chief Dahlberg isn't 100% certain of that date. Photo was taken by Chuck Young.
Marina Terrace back then.
Did you know since 2015 the North Park Fire Department has experienced a significant increase in call volume?
In 2015, the department responded to 1,555 total incidents, of which 1,197 (76.98%) were medical (EMS)-related.
By the end of 2024, the total number of incidents had risen to 2,323, with 1,697 (73.05%) medical (EMS)-related.
This represents an annual increase of 768 incidents, a 49.39% total increase over nine years, averaging 5.49% per year.
The highest single-year increase occurred between 2023 and 2024, with a 12.77% rise.
From 2015 to 2024, the department responded to a total of 19,088 incidents. Based on the nine-year average increase, the estimated total for 2025 is projected at 2,450 incidents however, with the current daily average of 6.98 incidents per day, the 2025 year-end total could reach approximately 2,538 incidents.
Today's glimpse of yesterday is a little more modern. This photo is from a house fire on the 2100 block of Taliesen Lane. We think the would have been August of 2000. Photo was taken by Chuck McLean.
In the photo is North Park 843, the department's second heavy rescue. This was a 1980 Ford C/Emergency One body. Also in the photo is Loves Park Fire Department's 1981 Spartan/FMC/LTI 85 foot tower ladder. Can't read names well or see faces, but we believe the individual bending over facing away from the camera is Chris Henry. Robert Durham is that you on the far left?
Maybe Mike Dunaway standing far left? I'm thinking Robert S. Witt in front of 843. Orange bands on the packs should be Harlem.
Yep that's me
Nugget on the ground changing bottles out. I think that Andrew Baylor in front and Mike Heckle by Bull. Good old days.
The good old days!
Robert durian days johnson Andy Applegren Ray james John cartwright and I cant tell who the other two are
Looks like cartwright in front of 43
Robert Durham
Chris Henry
Looks like Greg Pearson to Durham’s left? Maybe Mo Eguires with red coat on? Could be me or Robb Witt in front of 843?
Oh. That is me
North Park Fire is proud to announce that we'll be hosting the Illinois Fire Service Institute's Company Fire Officer program in their blended format, with a schedule specifically designed to cater to volunteer and paid on call agencies with classroom sessions on weekend days. If you're interested in attending, register soon as we've already filled 9 of 30 available seats in a short time.
www.fsi.illinois.edu/content/courses/programs/description.cfm?course_id=910
Orientation is Sat, Jul 19 2025, with online learning until August 15th.
In person classes will be:
Sat, Aug 16 2025 - Sun, Aug 17 2025
Sat, Aug 23 2025 - Sun, Aug 24 2025
Sat, Aug 30 2025 - Sun, Aug 31 2025
Sat, Sep 6 2025 - Sun, Sep 7 2025
Company Fire Officer Blended / NFPA 1021 - Fire Officer I Course Description
www.fsi.illinois.edu
The Company Fire Officer course is designed to provide the Fire Officer, who is in charge of a single fire company or station, with information and skills required for success. The Company Fire Office...