Chillicothe Community Fire Protection District

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Chillicothe, IL
Chillicothe Community Fire Protection District

The Chillicothe Community Fire Protection District (CCFPD) serves approximately 15,000 residents in the surrounding area.

We are always seeking dedicated men and women to join our team and help protect the communities we proudly serve. From 1923-1953, Chillicothe had unofficial fire protection boundaries outside the city. A group of firemen from the city founded a nonprofit organization called the Chillicothe Community Fire Department (CCFD) in 1953 to address the issue. The CCFD established a fire protection distric

t to better serve those outside of Chillicothe’s corporate city limits. Today, approximately 15,000 occupants in the outlying areas surrounding Chillicothe are served by the CCFPD. These boundaries extend from the Illinois River to east of Rt. 40, south to Detweiler Park and north to Hopewell. We operate 5 Engines, 2 Rescues, 1 Squad, 1 Ladder Truck, 1 Tender, 1 Command Buggy, 1 Fire Boat, 2 Rescue Boats, and a Hovercraft, that respond out of 4 firehouses.

05/30/2026

🚒CHILLICOTHE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAFETY REMINDER🚒

With summer temperatures rising and more families enjoying time at pools, lakes, and backyard water activities, now is a great time for a reminder about water safety.

Never swim alone.

Children should always be actively supervised around water.

Drowning is often silent and can occur in seconds.

Use properly fitted life jackets when appropriate, especially for young children and inexperienced swimmers.

Keep pool gates closed and locked, and ensure fences and barriers are secure.

Keep a phone nearby and know the address of your location in case emergency services are needed.

Stay hydrated, take breaks from the heat, and know your limits in and around the water.

Consider learning CPR. Immediate action by a bystander can make a lifesaving difference before first responders arrive.

Whether you're spending the day at a backyard pool, the river, a local lake, or a community pool, a few simple precautions can help prevent tragedy and keep everyone safe.

Here when you need us. 🚒

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day!
Today we celebrate all the women who love, guide, protect, support, encourage, and help shape lives in ways both big and small.

To the moms, grandmothers, stepmothers, foster moms, adoptive moms, bonus moms, aunts, guardians, and the women who stepped into motherly roles with love and strength.
To first time moms, seasoned moms, single moms, working moms, stay at home moms, and moms balancing both every single day.

To the moms working long shifts, spending today at work, in hospitals, nursing homes, on duty, traveling, or away from family while still carrying the weight and love of motherhood with them everywhere they go.

To the moms raising little ones, guiding grown ones, cheering from sidelines, answering late night calls, helping with homework, showing up for practices, games, concerts, appointments, and all the moments in between.

To those celebrating with their moms today, those carrying their mom’s love and memory forward, and those honoring mothers no longer with us but never forgotten.

To the women hoping to become mothers someday, and to anyone today who may need a little extra love, encouragement, or reminder that they matter too.

Motherhood comes in many forms, but the impact is always powerful.

Thank you for the love you give, the sacrifices you make, the lessons you teach, and the steady presence you are for the people who count on you. For the early mornings, the sleepless nights, the packed schedules, the pep talks, the hugs, the patience, the chaos, and all the little things that often go unnoticed but mean everything. Somehow moms can make a bad day feel manageable and a house feel like home, usually while reheating the same cup of coffee three times.

From all of us at the Chillicothe Fire Department, we hope today brings smiles, laughter, appreciation, and time with the people who matter most.

Happy Mother’s Day!

05/04/2026

Today, May 4, we recognize International Firefighters Day.

Established in 1999, this day honors the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of firefighters around the world, while remembering those who gave their lives in the line of duty.

The red and blue ribbon represents fire and water, the elements firefighters face every day.

As a department, we are proud to serve our community and stand alongside firefighters everywhere.

Here when you need us.

04/24/2026

Tomorrow is the day. Join us for the 4th Annual Autism Awareness & Inclusion Event. This free community event is open to all ages and families.

Come explore emergency vehicles, meet community partners, support local vendors, enjoy activities, and spend the afternoon in a welcoming space built around connection, awareness, and inclusion.

Saturday, April 25, 2026
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Chillicothe Fire Department Station 1
217 W Chestnut St, Chillicothe, IL 61523

This event is about more than one day. It is about making sure every family feels seen, valued, and part of the community.
We hope to see you there tomorrow.

04/15/2026

Autism Awareness and Inclusion Event Vendors, Partners, and Activities
April 25, 2026 | 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Station 1 | 217 W Chestnut Street, Chillicothe

The heart of this event is the people and organizations showing up for our community. We’re proud to highlight the incredible groups helping make the day meaningful, fun, and welcoming for everyone.

Community Resources & Support

• Picket Fence Foundation
Supporting individuals with disabilities and families through advocacy, inclusion, and community support.

• Blue Ridge Community Farm
Creating meaningful opportunities through farm based learning, connection, and hands on experiences for individuals with special needs.

• Trillium Place and Young Minds
Offering mental health resources, youth support, and family wellness services.

• Goodwill_Beyond Barriers
Providing employment support, life skills resources, and opportunities for greater independence.

• Gods Love Learn Ability
Promoting encouragement, inclusion, and support for individuals and families.

• Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce
Supporting local partnerships, business growth, and community connection.

Community Partners

• Chillicothe Police Department
Connecting with families and supporting positive community relationships.

• Chillicothe Community Fire Protection District
Your local firefighters helping host a day centered on acceptance, inclusion, and community.

• Chillicothe Firefighters Association
Serving free hot dogs and chips for guests throughout the event.

Youth & Family Activities

• Chillicothe Public Library
Providing books, family resources, youth programs, and opportunities for learning.

• Cub Scout Pack 91
Sharing youth opportunities focused on leadership, service, and adventure.

• Recycled Rhythm Inc
Using music, rhythm, and creativity to build confidence, joy, and connection.

Entertainment

• John Alexander
Local IVC student and talented young musician performing live at 2:00 PM.

Food & Treats

• Whats 4 Eatz
Serving great local food during the event.

• Kona Ice
Bringing frozen treats and smiles to the afternoon.

Event Supporters

• Allegro Apparel
Community apparel partner supporting local events and organizations.

We’re grateful for every vendor, volunteer, and partner helping create a space where everyone belongs.

There is still time to get involved. Reach out to [email protected]

The Picket Fence Foundation
Blue Ridge Community Farm
Goodwill Industries International
Chillicothe Police Department
Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce
Advanced Medical Transport
Fred Meister Chillicothe Community Firefighters Association
Chillicothe Public Library
Kona Ice

04/05/2026

Easter is about family, food, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.
Burn the ham, hide the eggs, argue over who found the “good candy”… that’s normal.
Calling us? should NOT part of the tradition. We’ll be here like always, we’d just rather you keep us out of your Easter plans.

Most of the calls we run on holidays are preventable. A pot left unattended. A candle too close to decorations. An overloaded outlet. Small things that turn into big problems fast.

A few simple reminders to keep your day where it belongs:

• Stay with your cooking. If you’re using the stove, don’t walk away.

• Keep candles away from anything that can burn and blow them out before leaving the room.

• Test your smoke alarms. It takes seconds and can save your life.

• Don’t overload outlets with extra appliances or decorations.

• Keep Easter grass, baskets, and packaging away from heat sources.

• Watch both kids and adults while eating. Choking happens fast, especially when people are rushing or laughing with a full mouth.

Enjoy the day with your family, not with us on an emergency call.

From all of us at the Chillicothe Fire Department, have a safe and Happy Easter.

Here when you need us!

03/26/2026

SUPPORT AUTISM AWARENESS

CFD Autism Awareness shirts are officially AVAILABLE NOW.

These shirts support a great cause and reflect our commitment to inclusion and community.

Starting at $25

To order:
309.303.3209
[email protected]

EVENT REMINDER
Saturday, April 25th
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Station 1
217 W Chestnut St
Chillicothe, IL 61523

Come out, support the cause, and spend some time with your community.

03/10/2026

SEVERE WEATHER ALERT

The National Weather Service in Lincoln has placed our region in an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) for severe weather today, Tuesday, March 10. Current forecasts show two potential rounds of strong storms that could move through the area and produce dangerous conditions.

EXPECTED TIMING
Round 1
Late afternoon through evening
Approximately 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Round 2
Late evening into overnight
After 10:00 PM and continuing into early Wednesday morning

POTENTIAL HAZARDS
Tornadoes
Weather conditions could support a few tornadoes, including the possibility of stronger tornadoes if isolated storms develop ahead of the main line.

Large Hail
Hail larger than 2 inches, roughly the size of a baseball, may be possible with stronger storms.

Damaging Winds
Wind gusts exceeding 60 to 70 mph could occur and may result in downed trees, power outages, and property damage.

Heavy Rain
Some storms may produce heavy rainfall that could lead to localized flooding, especially in low lying or poorly drained areas.

HOW TO PREPARE
Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings such as weather radios, smartphone alerts, or local media updates.

Secure loose outdoor items including patio furniture, trash cans, and other objects that could become airborne in strong winds.

Charge phones and backup batteries in advance of the storms.

Know where your safe place is located. The safest place during a tornado is a basement or an interior room on the lowest level of a structure, away from windows.

Check on neighbors, friends, and family members, especially elderly residents, to make sure they are aware of the weather conditions.

CHILLICOTHE FIRE DEPARTMENT UPDATE

The Chillicothe Fire Department is actively monitoring the weather and preparing for potential storm related calls for service. Our crews are completing equipment and apparatus readiness checks and ensuring communication systems and response resources are ready should severe weather impact our community.

Residents are encouraged to remain weather aware this afternoon and evening. If severe weather develops, avoid unnecessary travel so emergency responders can reach those who may need assistance.

Call 911 for emergencies.
We will continue to monitor conditions and share updates as necessary. Stay safe and stay prepared.

HERE WHEN YOU NEED US.

Chillicothe Police Department
Advanced Medical Transport
Fred Meister Chillicothe Community Firefighters Association

02/14/2026

Valentine’s Day usually means candles, cooking, and distractions.
For us, that combination is familiar.

Candles set the mood. They also start fires when someone “just steps away for a minute.”

If you’re lighting candles tonight, remember:
• Never leave them unattended
• Keep them at least one foot away from anything that can burn
• Keep them out of reach of children and pets
• Use a sturdy, heat resistant surface
• Blow them out before leaving the room or going to sleep

Cooking? Same rules apply:
• Stay in the kitchen while food is on the stove
• Keep towels, paper, and anything that can burn away from heat
• Turn pot handles inward to prevent spills
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working
• Have a home escape plan and practice it with your household

Enjoy the evening. Just don’t turn date night into an incident report.

We’re here when you need us.
But we’d rather just see your happy posts tomorrow.

02/08/2026

Saturday was Cub Scout Pack 91 of Chillicothe Pinewood Derby day, hosted by First United Methodist Church, and it quickly turned into an all-out CFD vs CPD showdown.

The Cub Scouts brought the talent. CFD and CPD brought confidence we probably shouldn’t have had.

Representing CFD was Eagle Scout and FF Geiger. CPD was represented by Officer Koser. Also pictured is retired CFD Captain Sprinkle, who clearly enjoyed watching both departments talk big and then get humbled by gravity, while quietly taking home 1st and 2nd place alongside his son.

CPD proudly took home the “Turtle” Award for slowest car, which feels aggressively on brand. Creativity was high. Speed was optional.

CFD came up short this year. We reviewed the results, blamed the car, blamed physics, and absolutely did not schedule any official meetings about it. Lessons were learned. Pride was bruised. Redemption is already scheduled for next year 😉

Huge thanks to Pack 91 Chillicothe and First United Methodist Church for hosting and inviting us to be part of a great event. These kids crushed it, the families were awesome, and this is exactly the kind of community involvement we love being part of.

Chillicothe Police Department
Scouting America, W. D. Boyce Council
First United Methodist Church of Chillicothe, IL

Address

217 W. Chestnut Street
Chillicothe, IL
61523

Telephone

+13092743567

Website

http://www.chillifd.com/

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