The Chicago Tribune recently published an article celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Deerfield-Bannockburn Fire Protection District (FPD). The piece takes a nostalgic look at how far the department has come since its early days as a volunteer fire department.
In 1923, when the department was first formed, firefighters in Deerfield used a two-wheeled cart to respond to fires. They would either pull it behind a horse-drawn buggy or, if available, a car. This simple apparatus carried just one coil of hose and an onboard water tank, which had to be refilled by bucket brigades on the scene.
Back then, ambulances were rare. They often came from converted hearses, and it wasn’t until much later that mobile intensive-care units—essentially rolling emergency rooms—became part of the response. These units are now equipped with advanced life-saving tools like EKGs and defibrillators, allowing paramedics to provide critical care en route to hospitals.
This May marks the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Deerfield volunteer department, which officially became the Deerfield-Bannockburn Fire Protection District in 1942. Today, the department operates out of two stations—one on Waukegan Road in Deerfield and another on Illinois Route 22 in Bannockburn—with 42 sworn firefighter/paramedics on staff.
The old two-wheeled cart has long been replaced by a modern fleet of vehicles, including three pumpers, one aerial ladder truck, two squad trucks, three paramedic ambulances, a command vehicle, and five administrative support vehicles. The largest truck in the fleet, a 2005 model, stands nearly 13 feet tall, is 8 feet wide, and over 41 feet long. It can operate with as few as two firefighters and cost over $500,000—$425,000 of which came from a FEMA grant. If purchased today, the same vehicle would cost around $1 million.
Fire Chief Ian Kazian emphasized that the department is now an all-hazards response unit, meaning they handle everything from medical emergencies to hazardous material spills. “We’re cross-staffed with ambulances, paramedics, and firefighters,†he said. “From a daily operational standpoint, we deal with EMS, fire, special rescue, high-angle trench rescue, and hazardous materials.â€
In 2012, medical calls made up 56% of all responses, while fires accounted for just 3%. False alarms made up 25% of total calls. As the department continues to evolve, it remains committed to serving the community with the latest technology and training.
You can read the full article HERE.
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