The Beecher Fire Protection District issued a call for residents, business owners, and community stakeholders to provide and help gather community feedback about the fire district and “guide important conversations about the future of emergency services” within the district.
Fire district officials hope to have 25 to 30 people interested in volunteering for the “facilitating team,” which will collaborate with the district to help it better understand what its residents and business owners want. Participants will also learn what it takes for the district to meet those needs.
“This opens the dialog with the community about what they expect out of their fire district, and it helps better inform the community of who we are and what we do,” Chief Joe Falaschetti explained to the board of trustees.
The district is looking for anyone who has an interest in the community, from its teachers to business owners, residents old and new, and anyone who wants to make an impact. Those interested do not need to have any experience with the fire service.
Those interested in being a part of the district’s facilitating team should visit www.beecherfire.org/content/engagement/ to sign up.
District finances
At recent board meetings, Falaschetti has expressed ongoing challenges regarding area hospitals limiting trauma care, which has led to longer transport times, rising apparatus costs, and increasing call volume.
Despite the challenges, the district has remained in good financial shape and continues to seek alternative revenue streams, such as through grant funding.
At the June 25 board meeting, District Accountant James Howard reviewed the district’s finances as it begins a new budget fiscal year. Howard explained the district is “off to a really good start.”
Falashchetti also advised the board he learned the district received another grant, this time for thermal imaging cameras and three battery-powered saw kits. He is looking forward to receiving the official award notice and advised the district would put it on social media.
Additionally, Falaschetti advised he applied to several other grants and is awaiting a response as to whether any others will be awarded.
Trustee Lyle Siefker and President Margie Cook each commended Falaschetti on his efforts to apply for and secure grants.
Will County moves to Smart 911
In other news, Will County is moving to Smart 911 from Nixle.
“It’s an alerting platform through the county that sends all kinds of community alerts for storms and emergency activations,” Falaschetti advised. He explained it would offer the same alerting that Nixle, the previously used platform, offered.
Those interested in receiving alerts from Will County should visit willcounty911.gov/smart-911/.
New programs
Assistant Chief McGannon advised the board there are two new programs available to residents of the district, which include the Senior Check-In Program and the Special Needs Premise Alert program.
He said the Senior Check-in Program allows individuals to check on the well-being of seniors within the district. A Beecher Fire employee will call or visit the senior once a week on a scheduled day and time to ensure they are doing ok and are safe.
“The program offers peace of mind and lets seniors know someone cares,” McGannon said of the program.
Additionally, the district is offering a Special Needs Alert program. The program is confidential and voluntary for individuals with disabilities or special needs, disabilities, or medical conditions (or their caregivers/families) to provide first responders with information about their needs.
This could include (but is not limited to) populations with autism or developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s or dementia, severe allergies or terminal illnesses, visual, hearing, or other impairments, mental health challenges or brain injuries.
Similar programs have been implemented in communities across the state, and they give first responders more information before they reach the person to ensure they are treated appropriately with respect to their needs.