Mt. Hope-Funks Grove FPD (McLean, IL)

06/05/2026

The Mt. Hope–Funks Grove Fire Protection District is honored to receive a $3,425 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

This funding will support Blue Card Incident Command Training, a nationally recognized program that enhances the ability of fire officers to manage complex emergency scenes safely and effectively. Thanks to this grant, we will be able to provide training not only for our own officers and firefighters, but also for personnel from Allin Township Fire Department - Stanford, IL, Dale Township Fire Department, and Heyworth Fire and EMS .

Investments like this strengthen emergency response across multiple communities and help ensure safer, more coordinated operations on the fireground.

A sincere thank‑you to IDNR for supporting local fire districts and helping us continue to improve the service we provide to the public.

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05/25/2026

🚒 Grant Award Announcement — Mt. Hope–Funks Grove FPD 🚒

The Mt. Hope–Funks Grove Fire Protection District is proud to announce that we have been awarded $25,080.00 through the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Small Equipment Grant Program.

This funding will be used to purchase new SCBA cylinders, ensuring our firefighters have the reliable, up‑to‑date air supply equipment they need when responding to structure fires, vehicle fires, and hazardous environments.

About the OSFM Small Equipment Grant Program:
The program is designed to help small and rural fire departments replace aging or outdated equipment that is essential for firefighter safety. Departments across Illinois compete for these funds, and awards are based on demonstrated need, call volume, and the condition of current equipment. Grants like this allow districts like ours to stretch local tax dollars further while keeping our responders properly equipped.

We are grateful to OSFM for supporting our department and investing in the safety of our firefighters and the communities we serve.

Illinois State Fire Marshal State Senator Sally Turner

05/25/2026

US Route 136 is closed in both directions at I-55. This is between both Northbound and Southbound on/off ramps. ISP and IDOT are on scene.

I-55 SB off ramp is open to westbound Route 136, I-55 SB on ramp to I-55 is open.

I-55 NB off ramp is open to westbound Route 136. I-55 NB on ramp is open, only from east of the I-55 bridge.

Please use an alternate route.

05/19/2026

McLean County Asphalt will be in the Village May 25th beginning to update the road surface uptown. Road closures will be ALL intersections that lead to the square.

PLEASE USE ALTERNATE ROUTES

All businesses uptown will remain open during their normal business hours; you will need to seek other parking options to get to them.

Road work begins May 25th at 8am and should finish up with reopening of the roads on May 27th.

Please contact the Village of McLean with further questions.

05/19/2026

🚑❤️ EMS Week 2026 ❤️🚑

This week, we proudly recognize and thank all EMS personnel of the Mt. Hope–Funks Grove Fire Protection District for your dedication, professionalism, and compassion in serving our communities every single day.

Whether responding to emergencies, providing lifesaving care, comforting families, or answering the call at all hours — your commitment does not go unnoticed. Your courage, teamwork, and sacrifice make a difference in countless lives throughout McLean and beyond.

Thank you for your service, your integrity, and your unwavering commitment to our community.

Happy EMS Week from all of us at Mt. Hope–Funks Grove FPD! 🚑💙

05/18/2026

Mt. Hope-Funks Grove FPD proudly announces that Firefighter/EMT Riley McCallister has successfully graduated from the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) Basic Operations and Advanced Technician Firefighter Blended Academy.

The Basic Operations and Advanced Technician Firefighter Blended (BOF) program is a comprehensive 20-week academy totaling 260 hours of instruction, including ten hands-on training weekends (Saturday and Sunday). The program balances instructor-supported online education with in-person practical training conducted at designated training sites throughout Illinois. This blended delivery model is designed to prepare entry-level firefighters for the operational, technical, and physical demands of the fire service.

The curriculum includes online lectures, quizzes, and examinations; online and in-person demonstrations; in-person practical skill development rotations; and live fire training evolutions. Course content meets state and national certification requirements and includes Firefighter I (NFPA 1010 – Basic Operations), Firefighter II (NFPA 1010 – Advanced Technician), Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations, Incident Command System (ICS 100/200/700), Traffic Incident Management Awareness, Fire Service Vehicle Operator, CPR/First Aid (introductory), and additional safety and resiliency-focused coursework.

The program emphasizes professionalism, teamwork, and adherence to nationally recognized fire service standards. Successful completion of the academy reflects a significant commitment to professional development and public safety.

Firefighter/EMT completed his couse work with a 98%, top 3 of the class and was recognized with many others for completing his work fully and on time.

The department commends Firefighter/EMT McCallister on this notable achievement and extends best wishes for continued success and service.

05/01/2026

Looking for a challenge that actually matters? 💪
Joining your local fire department means teamwork, training, and serving your neighbors when they need it most. We’ll help you get started with the EMR course, so you can learn essential emergency medical skills from day one.

Reach out if you’re curious—happy to answer questions!

🚑 Training Alert: Hybrid EMR Course 🚑

McLean County Area EMS is offering a Hybrid EMR Course this summer, combining flexible online learning with hands-on training.

This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to get involved in emergency services or support their local department.

📝 Registration is open now (closes May 25, 2026 or when capacity is reached)
👉 Sign up here: https://www.mcleancountyems.org/emr

Spots are limited ... don’t miss out!

04/28/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Riley McCallister on Achieving EMT Certification! 🚑
Our department is proud to recognize Riley for successfully passing the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) examination and officially earning the title of licensed Emergency Medical Technician. This is a significant professional milestone and a moment worth celebrating—not only for Riley, but for our entire department and the community we serve.

Becoming an EMT is no small accomplishment. The road to NREMT certification requires months of intensive classroom instruction, hands-on skills training, clinical experience, and an unwavering commitment to learning. The NREMT exam itself is known for its rigor, testing a candidate’s knowledge, critical thinking, decision-making under pressure, and ability to apply lifesaving skills in real-world scenarios. Passing it is a testament to discipline, perseverance, and a true dedication to emergency medical service.
Riley demonstrated all of those qualities throughout the process. From mastering patient assessments and trauma care to understanding medical emergencies, airway management, and safe patient transport, Riley put in the hard work required to meet a national standard of excellence. Achieving licensure confirms that level of competence and marks the transition from student to professional provider.

As a licensed EMT, Riley now takes on an even greater role in our mission to protect life, health, and safety. EMTs are often the first point of contact for patients on their worst days, providing calm reassurance, rapid assessment, and critical care when it matters most. The trust our community places in us is immense, and Riley has earned a place among those entrusted with that responsibility.
This achievement also strengthens our department. Every new EMT brings fresh energy, perspective, and skills that enhance our ability to respond effectively and as a team. Riley’s success reflects not only individual effort, but also the support of instructors, training officers, classmates, mentors, family, and fellow members who encouraged and challenged him along the way.

Riley, you should be extremely proud of this accomplishment. Passing the NREMT is the result of dedication, long hours of study, and a genuine commitment to serving others. We look forward to watching you continue to grow, gain experience, and make a positive impact in the field of emergency medical services.
Please join us in congratulating Firefighter/EMT Riley McCallister on this outstanding achievement and welcoming him into his new role as a licensed EMT for our department. This is a milestone worth celebrating—and the beginning of a rewarding career of service.

👏🚑 Congratulations, Riley!

02/18/2026

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for portions of north-central and west-central IL today, as west-southwest winds gust up to 35 mph with relative humidity dropping to 15 to 20 percent in warm conditions. Any fires that start will spread quickly. Avoid open burning and don't carelessly discard ci******es.

WGLT WMBD 25News WEEK WJBC McLean,IL

02/11/2026

Illinois Department of Transportation announced closure of US Route 136 between West St and Hamilton St, February 11-12 6pm-6am so Union Pacific Railroad can work on the crossing.

https://illinois-department-of-transportation.prezly.com/us-136-in-mclean-to-close-feb-11-12

Please pay attention to the State and local detour signs and routes.

WJBC The Pantagraph 25News WEEK WMBD WGLT McLean County Area EMS System McLean County Sheriff's Office Illinois State Police Troop 5

McLEAN – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that U.S. 136 at the railroad crossing between West and Hamilton streets in McLean...