Charleston Illinois Fire Department

06/06/2026

Today marks 152 years of the Charleston Fire Department! On June 6, 1874, the Charleston Fire Department was created when the Charleston City Council established an organization known as the Hook and Ladder Fire Company.

06/05/2026

The Sarah Bush Lincoln Races for All Paces will take place in town tomorrow, with routes going through several neighborhoods. Please watch for runners and give yourself extra time in the morning to make it to your destination.

06/02/2026

The monthly outdoor warning siren test will be conducted today at 10 AM. EIU will also test its alert system at 9:30 AM.

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

05/21/2026

The IHSA State Track and Field Championships will be held at EIU over the next two weekends. We are excited to welcome visitors from across the state to Charleston and wish all of the competitors good luck!
‼️Please be mindful of increased pedestrian and bus traffic during these events, particularly around Lincoln Avenue and the EIU campus.
Whether you are competing or cheering on your favorite athlete from the stands, it is important to be mindful of heat-related illnesses.
💧Stay hydrated - high sugar and caffeniated beverages can contribute to dehydration
⛱️Take breaks from the sun/heat - take frequent breaks and seek to cool down in the shade or an air-conditioned space
☀️Protect yourself from the sun - consider wearing a hat, using sunscreen, and wearing loose-fitting and light colored clothing

05/21/2026

Great job to Assistant Chief Berkheimer and all involved in this save!

Mattoon Fire Department

At Tuesday night’s council meeting, several area first responders were recognized for their actions and their exceptional lifesaving efforts at a medical call on April 3, 2026, at the Stadium Grill 102 Dettro Drive. Several first responders from different agencies worked flawlessly together to save the life of a man who went into cardiac arrest.

The awards were presented by EMS Coordinator Mike Schwenke, and Paramedic instructor Lucas Ruholl. Assisting with the presentation of the awards was C**t Buckles, the man who went into cardiac arrest and was saved by the collaborative efforts of these first responders.

Presented with Awards and agency were:

Samantha Renfro- dispatcher Coles/Moultrie 911
Ryan Berkheimer- Charleston Fire Assistant Chief- off duty eating at the Stadium
Cody Lee- Illinois State Police Trooper- off duty eating at the Stadium
Jacob Matthews- Mattoon Firefighter/Paramedic
Jed Jones- Mattoon Firefighter/EMT
Barry Pullen- Mattoon Fire Captain/Paramedic
Zack Dye- Mattoon Fire Engineer/Paramedic
Aaron Creel- Mitchell-Jerdan Paramedic
Tasha Brown- Mitchell-Jerdan EMT

It was an honor to present this story to the members of the Mattoon City Council and recognize the outstanding professionalism of these individuals. What made this night even more special was having the cardiac arrest survivor C**t Buckles present to assist in presenting these awards.

Jeff Hilligoss
Fire Chief

05/19/2026

If you happened to drive by Station 1 today, you may have noticed 309 set up, as well as all of our engines getting their ladders tested. Not only is 309 tested (pictured), but all of the extension, roof, and attic ladders are pulled out of each apparatus and tested as well. While we inspect our ladders weekly and after use, this annual inspection by an outside vendor includes additional weight tests and certifications to ensure they will hold up to the extreme conditions of the fireground.

05/15/2026

It is National Police Week, and we want to thank the hard-working men and women who serve as Police Officers, especially the members of the Charleston Illinois Police Department. We are honored to work with them each and every day as they keep the residents and visitors of our community safe.
Today is also National Peace Officer Memorial Day, and we take a moment to recognize and remember the officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

05/11/2026

EIU has planned a test of their alert system for today (5/11/26) at 5PM. Residents and visitors near campus may hear a lockdown message broadcast across outdoor campus speakers at 5PM as part of this test. Additional information on this test can be found here: https://www.eiu.edu/media/viewstory.php?action=2008