At the January 23 monthly board meeting, the Beecher Fire Protection District commended Beecher Police Officer Ryan Drew for his heroic actions on December 12.
Officer Drew arrived at the structural fire of a home he knew belonged to an elderly resident. He saw smoke and fire, and he knocked. When no one answered, he kicked the door in and searched the home for victims. Finding no one, he found the front door and unlocked it for the fire department.
“As firefighters, this is one of those risks we knowingly accept when we report to duty. As a police officer, their jobs are inherently risky and responding to structural fires is not their job.”
Speaking to Drew, Falaschetti continued, “You were incredible.The information you were able to give our company officer when we arrived on the scene; you were helping pull hose. We have a job application for you after this in the event you want to apply.”
Chief Lemming was present and said he wouldn’t have known if Falaschetti hadn’t told him; Drew was a “humble guy.” Drew’s heroic actions were caught on body cam footage. He suffered smoke inhalation and fell ill but continued to assist.
Throughout the village, Chief Falaschetti shared that the BFPD has worked with inspections and contractors on the new police station and the Union Electronics Building on Church Road. The Union Electronics Building fire pump test was shut down by the contractor due to debris in the line. BFPD is working with the contractor.
Chief Officers, along with Board President Cook, met with village staff on January 3 to discuss concerns with the water system and a list of concerning fire hydrants around the village. BFPD is collaborating with the village, and public works is already working on some issues, while code enforcement is communicating with residents regarding obstructions around hydrants and issues that limit access.
Chief Falaschetti shared the department will be starting a new program called “Coffee Talk,” when residents will be invited to the station for coffee and snacks to discuss community topics.
Show me the Money
BFPD submitted a small tools grant for airbags and stabilization struts on Engine 44, for $19,742, and they’re waiting to hear.
BFPD was awarded a Firehouse Subs Public Safety Grant for new battery operated Genesis extrication equipment in the amount of $40,215.
Another FEMA AFG grant application was submitted for $219,151 for the replacement of two cardiac monitors and an additional monitor for Engine 44.
Getting it Done
Chief also reported that a dual response for vehicle accident procedures through Will County 9-1-1, with Grant Park FPD for the County Line Corridor, was finalized along with a reduction in cost of the MDT data packages from $35 to $20 per month from Verizon Business. Annual cost savings will be approximately $767.52.
BFPD is collaborating with Beecher School District to provide CPR training for all staff.
Four candidates graduated Basic Operations Firefighter Academy at Prairie State on December 19; two more candidates just started the spring session. Four more candidates have started the EMT course at Prairie State.
Assistant Fire Chief McGannon reported he followed up with 24 emergency calls by going in person to their residence as a follow up. Residents are presented with a folder with information on free services the district offers, health care service agencies in the area, and other information, such as fall prevention and fire tips.
The board voted to donate $1K to breast cancer readership following the sales of their breast cancer t-shirt fundraiser and donate a blanket to the Beecher Education Foundation for an upcoming fundraiser.
Chief Falaschetti’s contract extension also was approved.
Back in October of 2024, Utility 44 was struck by the Sauk Village Fire Department tower ladder at Beecher’s training tower. The truck was sent to the body shop and has been repaired but can’t be picked up until Sauk Village pays the bill. Communication with the Sauk Village Fire Chief indicated the bill would be paid at their January 28 meeting.
Sitting good
Beecher FPD finances are “looking good and on target” according to the treasurer at just about 81 percent of the total budget.
The next meeting is February 27, at 7 p.m.