Mt. Morris Fire Protection District

05/25/2026

Today on this Memorial Day, we ask you to remember the men and woman of our Armed Forces who gave the ultimate sacrifice, in defense of our nation. They fought battles on both foreign and domestic soil, so we may enjoy the very freedoms we do today.

One such soldier was Mt. Morris’s James Edward Rimmer. Ed graduated from MMHS in 1966. He enlisted into the Army as a Medical Corpsman in 1969. Corporal Rimmer was assigned to the 196th Infantry Brigade and started his tour in Vietnam on February 12, 1970. He was killed in action on May 4, 1970 in Quang Tin, South Vietnam, just 22 years old. The flagpole in front of the Mt. Morris Firehouse is dedicated In Memory of Cpl. Rimmer. It was given by his father James T. Rimmer. The picture here is of Cpl. Rimmer's son helping American Legion Post 143 members raise the first flag flown on the pole. Heroes such as Corporal Rimmer, answered the call and then gave all, lest we ever forget their sacrifice.

05/23/2026

🇺🇸 Memorial Day Weekend Grilling Safety Reminder 🇺🇸

As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day weekend, the Mt. Morris Fire Protection District would like to remind everyone to stay safe while enjoying the summer grilling season.

🔥 Grilling Safety Tips:
• Keep grills at least 10 feet away from homes, decks, garages, and anything flammable
• Never leave a hot grill unattended
• Clean grease and fat buildup regularly to help prevent flare-ups
• Keep children and pets away from the grilling area
• Always check propane connections for leaks before use
• Have a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby

Most importantly, we pause this weekend to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend from all of us at the Mt. Morris Fire Protection District. 🇺🇸

05/21/2026

The Mt. Morris Fire Protection District assumed responsibility for community ambulance service in 1958. Prior to that local businessman George Ottis operated a private ambulance company serving Mt. Morris. George and his wife, assisted by Bob Personette and Beanie Blake provided ambulance transport services with a 1947 DeSoto. When George died unexpectedly, his widow sold the service to the Fire District. For 68 years now the District has provided community ambulance service.

As emergency medical care continued to evolve, those early ambulance services gradually developed into the modern Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system we know today. Pictured above is the District’s 1976 Miller-Meteor Criterion Coach built on a Cadillac commercial chassis. Next is the District’s current Horton/Ford E-450 ambulance, representing more than 50 years of progress in emergency medical care in our community.

In the early 1970’s the District provided some of the area’s first State certified EMT-Basic Life Support (BLS) level service. In 1984, the service upgraded EMT-Intermediate level, and in 1991 transitioned to an EMT-Paramedic, or Advanced Life Support (ALS) service, a level of care the District continues to proudly provide today.

05/20/2026

This EMS Week, we proudly recognize and thank the dedicated men and women who serve our community with compassion, professionalism, and commitment every single day.

For 68 years, our District EMS crews have been honored to answer the call when our neighbors need us most, providing care, comfort, and support during life’s most critical moments. Their dedication reflects the strong partnership between our department and the community we are privileged to serve.

To all of our EMS professionals, thank you for your continued sacrifice, hard work, and unwavering commitment to caring for others. Your service does not go unnoticed, and we are proud to celebrate you this EMS Week.

Proudly Serving Our Community for 68 Years.

05/03/2026

This weekend, we invite you to join us in honoring fallen firefighters from a crossed the nation during the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend.

Take a moment to pause, reflect, and remember the brave men and women who answered the call—and never returned home. Their sacrifice is the reason so many others are here today.

Whether it’s sharing a name, attending a memorial, or simply holding their families in your thoughts, every act of remembrance matters.

Stand with us. Remember with us. Honor them with us.

03/30/2026

03/18/2026

Every day, people are exposed to medications, household chemicals, and other substances that can be harmful if used incorrectly. Knowing what to do quickly can make all the difference.

📱 Keep Poison Control in your pocket:
1-800-222-1222

Poison experts are available 24/7, free, and confidential to help in real time.

⚠️ What to do if exposure happens:

💊 Swallowed the wrong medicine?
Call the Poison Help Line right away.

👁 Substance in the eyes?
Flush with running water for 15–20 minutes.

🧴 Chemical on the skin?
Remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin with water for 15–20 minutes.

🌬 Inhaled fumes?
Move to fresh air immediately.

The Mt. Morris Fire Protection District encourages everyone to save the Poison Help number in your phone and share it with family members. If an emergency call 911 and an ambulance will be dispatched.

🔗 Learn more about poison safety:
poisonhelp.hrsa.gov

**A quick call can prevent a medical emergency. Stay safe!

Illinois Poison Center

03/10/2026

With the potential for severe weather today, it is important to remain weather aware! Be sure to have a severe weather plan, here are some helpful tips on choosing a safe place in your home. Learn more here: https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado

Graphics courtesy of The National Weather Service.

03/07/2026

⏰ Time Change Reminder from Mt. Morris Fire Protection District

When you change your clocks, take a moment to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This simple step can help protect your home and family.

🔥 Smoke Alarm Facts
• Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by about 50%.
• Nearly 3 out of 5 home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or alarms that are not working.
• Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
• Test your alarms monthly to make sure they are working properly.

🏠 Safety Tips
• Install smoke alarms outside sleeping areas, and on every level of your home.
• Test your alarms monthly using the test button.
• Create and practice a home fire escape plan with your family.
• If a smoke alarm sounds, get outside immediately and stay outside, then call 911

03/06/2026

While many of us are waking up to the cracking of thunder, it’s important to remember what to do if caught outdoors in a storm! Our friends at the US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois have a great reminder as part of Storm Preparedness week!

Illinois Severe Weather Preparedness Week:

Whether you’re playing or watching sports outdoors, the same rule applies: When Thunder Roars Go Indoors! It is never safe to be outside when lightning is in the area.

Step 1: Leave the field immediately. Step 2: Seek shelter in an enclosed building or car (windows up). Wait 30 minutes after hearing thunder to return outside.

weather.gov/chicago/severeprepare
[Posted Wednesday 3/4/2026]