The 7 Biggest Updates At Prospect Heights Fire Department: New Stations, Key Retirements, And 2025 Emergency Response
Contents
Prospect Heights Fire Department: Key Personnel and Operational Profile (2025)
The Prospect Heights Fire Protection District operates a vital service area, continually adapting to the needs of its community. The department is a cornerstone of public safety, relying on a blend of experienced leadership and modern equipment.- Official Name: Prospect Heights Fire Protection District (PHFPD)
- Jurisdiction: Prospect Heights, Illinois area.
- Current Fire Chief: Drew Smith
- Primary Stations: The District operates from multiple locations, including Station 9 and Station 39.
- Headquarters Location: The main firehouse is located at 10 E. Camp McDonald Rd., which is the focus of a major renovation.
- Key Services: Fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS), public education (e.g., CPR Classes, Child Safety Seat checks).
- Recent Staffing Focus: Actively seeking qualified candidates for Full-Time Firefighter/Paramedics (FF/PMs), with a hiring push announced in March 2025.
1. Major Firehouse Expansion and Renovation Underway
A significant development for the PHFPD is the approved remodeling and expansion of its headquarters fire station at 10 E. Camp McDonald Rd.. This project is not merely a cosmetic update; it is a critical operational upgrade designed to meet modern firefighting needs. The renovation plan received city council approval and is expected to launch construction activity later in 2025, following MWRD approval and the issue of necessary permits. The firehouse expansion is set to bring several vital improvements:- New Apparatus Bay: A key feature of the upgrade is the addition of a new apparatus bay, essential for housing modern fire trucks and emergency vehicles.
- Updated Gear-Locker and Facilities: The project includes a new gear-locker area, which is crucial for firefighter health and safety by properly storing and maintaining protective equipment.
- Operational Upgrades: Fire Chief Drew Smith noted that while the new station will still be smaller than the average suburban station, the design is not a stopgap measure, but a strategic upgrade to enhance service delivery.
2. New Ambulances on Order to Boost EMS Capability
To maintain a high standard of emergency medical service (EMS), the Prospect Heights Fire Department has two new ambulances on order. The delivery of this new apparatus is eagerly anticipated and will replace older units, ensuring reliability and the latest medical technology for the District’s crucial EMS responses. This procurement is a direct investment in the health and safety of the community, as the department relies heavily on its Paramedic-level services.3. High-Profile Deputy Fire Chief Retirement Ceremony (September 2025)
The department held a significant retirement ceremony on September 16, 2025, at the headquarters firehouse to honor a retiring Deputy Chief. The Deputy Fire Chief was recognized for leaving a "lasting legacy" on the department, marking a major personnel transition within the PHFPD's leadership structure. This event underscores the cyclical nature of fire service leadership and the importance of recognizing long-term dedication. The 2025-2026 period is also noted as essential for mentoring a new deputy chief, highlighting the focus on succession planning.4. Quick Response to Player's Pub & Grill Fire Incident
In a display of rapid and effective emergency response, Prospect Heights firefighters were dispatched on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, to an activated fire alarm at Player's Pub & Grill. The quick action of the Prospect Heights Fire Protection District firefighters and mutual aid partners was instrumental in quickly extinguishing the fire. The incident required a substantial response, with approximately 40 firefighters from PHFPD and eight other fire departments assisting in the operation. This event highlights the critical role of mutual aid agreements and the professionalism of the crews in containing the blaze and minimizing damage.5. Recruitment Efforts for Full-Time Firefighter/Paramedics (FF/PMs)
The Prospect Heights Fire Protection District is actively bolstering its ranks. An announcement made in March 2025 confirmed the department is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Full-Time Firefighter/Paramedic (FF/PM). This recruitment drive is vital for maintaining appropriate staffing levels across Station 9 and Station 39 and ensuring round-the-clock emergency coverage. The demand for dual-certified personnel (firefighter and paramedic) reflects the increasing need for advanced life support capabilities in modern fire service.6. Recognition and Grant Funding Success in 2024
In late 2024, the PHFPD was a recipient of the Illinois American Water's 2024 Firefighter Grant Program. This grant program provides crucial financial support for fire departments and districts across the state, allowing them to purchase new equipment, fund training, or support community safety initiatives. Receiving this grant is an achievement that demonstrates the department's proactive approach to securing funding outside of local tax revenues for essential resources.7. Strategic Planning for the Future (Comprehensive Plan)
The department’s strategic outlook is guided by its Comprehensive Plan, with goals detailed for 2025 and beyond. This planning includes staffing projections and collaboration with neighboring departments. The PHFPD's ongoing collaboration with the Wheeling Fire Department, which has been in place since 2018, is a key component of its long-term strategy, ensuring seamless regional emergency response and resource sharing. The December 2025 Progress Report confirms the department is moving forward with its planned projects, including the firehouse renovation, as part of this long-term vision. The dedication of the PHFPD to continuous improvement, evidenced by the firehouse expansion, apparatus upgrades, and personnel management in 2025, solidifies its role as a highly reliable and professional emergency service provider. The community can be assured that the men and women of the Prospect Heights Fire Department are equipped and ready to respond to any emergency.
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