The Chicago Tribune recently published an article highlighting the centennial celebration of the Deerfield-Bannockburn Fire Protection District (FPD), a vital part of the community for over 100 years. The piece takes readers back to the early days when volunteer firefighters relied on simple tools and ingenuity to protect their town.
Back in 1923, the fire department’s primary equipment was a two-wheeled cart that could be pulled by either a horse-drawn buggy or a car if one was available. This rudimentary setup carried just one coil of hose connected to a small water tank, which had to be refilled manually using bucket brigades at the scene. Ambulances didn’t exist yet—those came later, initially in the form of converted hearses. Over time, the department evolved, introducing mobile intensive-care units that functioned like rolling emergency rooms, equipped with advanced life-saving technology and linked directly to hospital staff and dispatchers.
This May marks the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Deerfield volunteer fire 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 duty.
What once was a simple cart has now been replaced by a modern fleet of vehicles, including three pumpers, one aerial ladder truck, two squad trucks, three paramedic ambulances, one command vehicle, and five administrative or support vehicles. Among them is a massive 2005 engine that stands nearly 13 feet tall, 8 feet wide, and 41 feet long. This vehicle, which can operate with as few as two firefighters, originally cost over $500,000, with most of the funding coming from a FEMA grant. If it were purchased today, its replacement value would be around $1 million.
"We're an all-hazards response department, just like every other fire department in the area," said Fire Chief Ian Kazian. "Our team is cross-trained in EMS, firefighting, and specialized rescue operations. Whether it's a medical call, a fire, a high-angle rescue, or a hazardous materials incident, our members are prepared to handle it all."
In 2012 alone, medical emergencies made up 56% of all calls, while fires accounted for only 3%. False alarms also took up a significant portion, at 25% of total responses. Despite the evolution of their equipment and training, the Deerfield-Bannockburn FPD remains deeply rooted in the community, continuing to serve with dedication and professionalism.
The entire article is HERE.
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