Park Forest Fire Department

06/05/2026

May’s regional EMS training was one of our department’s most anticipated and logistically complex training events so far this year. “Safe Patient Removal from a hoarder environment with pulmonary edema and sepsis”.

This 3-day training emphasized that beyond every difficult environment is a person deserving of respect, compassion, and high-quality medical care.

The environment created from donated household goods was extremely realistic, and we enthusiastically recognize the contribution of Dr. Nagarjun Batchu D.O. Assistant Medical Director Emergency Department Olympia Fields Hospital/Prime Healthcare Services who interacted with our crews for live medical direction with a physician.

We are also especially appreciative of our two “live patient” actors who allowed crews to interact in real time with them and had years of medical experience that they brought to the drill (Theresa Wierzgac, ECRN and Maggie Murphy, retired CFD Commander and current UChicago-Ingalls Paramedic Program Coordinator & Assistant Professor at Prairie State College).

Thank you to Homewood Disposal for the donated recycled goods and to all the neighboring fire departments that attended this training! We are grateful for your support and enthusiasm as we strive to provide the very best possible training to our members and services to our communities.

05/18/2026

It's National Emergency Medical Services Week!!

The 52nd annual observance is themed "Improving Outcomes, Together," and honors the dedication, skill, and compassion of EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, and first responders.

During EMS Week, we proudly recognize the extraordinary dedication, professionalism, and compassion demonstrated each day by Park Forest's Firefighter/Paramedics. While the lights and sirens are often what the public sees, much of their work happens quietly behind the scenes through countless hours of training, continuing education, equipment preparation, patient care, and unwavering commitment to clinical excellence.

Our Paramedics routinely step into moments of uncertainty, fear, and crisis with calm professionalism and genuine compassion. Whether providing life-saving interventions during critical emergencies or offering comfort and reassurance during someone’s worst day, their impact on our community reaches far beyond the call itself.

The commitment Paramedics show to their patients, each other, and the department does not go unnoticed. We are incredibly grateful for the sacrifices they make, the standards they uphold, and the care they provide for the residents we proudly serve.

Thank you to all our Firefighter/Paramedics for your hard work, dedication, and continued service to our community. Happy EMS Week.

05/06/2026

For April’s monthly EMS training, participants strengthened their ability to utilize appropriate interventions such as tourniquet application, pressure dressings, wound packing, and the infusion of Tranexamic Acid while managing patient’s with traumatic injuries and at risk for massive hemorrhage.

Park Forest Fire Department’s very own FF/PM Kyle Zelhart led all three days of instruction and reinforced life-saving skills using the M.A.R.C.H algorithm.

A special thank you to the following departments for their support: Crete, Matteson, Park Forest, Richton Park, University Park Fire Departments.

05/01/2026

Be sure to visit our Park Forest Police Department brothers and sisters in blue on Friday, May 15th at the Chicago Heights Dunkin' (431 W. 14th Street) to grab a coffee and support a great cause!!

On Friday, May 15, from 5:00 a.m. to noon, officers from the Park Forest Police Department will host Cop on a Rooftop at the Dunkin’ located at 431 W. 14th Street in Chicago Heights. This event is a collaboration between Dunkin’, Special Olympics Illinois, and local law enforcement partners across the state to raise critical funds for Special Olympics athletes.

Dunkin’ guests who donate to Cop on a Rooftop will receive a coupon for a free donut. Guests who donate $10 or more will receive a coupon for a free medium hot or iced coffee.

We hope to see you there!

04/14/2026

Weather Siren testing will occur at 3:00 this afternoon 4/14/26. No emergencies or incoming weather to be alarmed about.

04/07/2026

News Release:
At approximately 4:20 pm on April 6, 2026 Park Forest Fire Department responded to 350 Juniper Drive, a ten-story high rise apartment building for a fire alarm. Crews encountered the smell of smoke on the tenth floor and began searching for the source and located a fire in one of the apartments. Park Forest Fire Department personnel made a rapid search of the apartment and removed one resident, overcome by the smoke, who was then transported to a local hospital for treatment and is expected to make a full recovery.

Following the rescue of the resident, on scene crews extinguished the fire and assisted with evacuation of other affected residents in the building. Full investigation results are pending but the fire appears accidental in nature. All residents were back in their apartments later that evening with no further injuries reported.

We are incredibly proud of the swift actions taken by our firefighters while protecting our community as it truly made a difference yesterday. We are also deeply indebted to our neighboring fire departments and our police department for their assistance during this incident, thank you, we could not do it without you.

04/02/2026

This month, Park Forest Fire Department welcomed back the UCAN flight crew educational team for 3 days of team-based learning all centered around medication administration.

Medication administration and calculation drills are essential for paramedics because they build the speed, accuracy, and confidence needed to deliver precise, weight-based dosing in critically ill pediatric patients, where even small errors can have significant consequences.

A huge shout out of thanks to Michelle Lambright, BSN, RN, CFRN, C-NPT, Kyle Peterson BSN, RN, CCRN, CFRN, CEN, as well as Elena Shykler - Stryker Sales Representative – South Chicago, who brought the new LifePak 35 out so crews could get a glimpse into its capabilities!

We'd also like to thank the following departments for their support and participation: Crete, Matteson, Phoenix, Richton Park and University Park Fire Departments.

03/12/2026

Calling all current/retired/former PFFD members...Reunion Picnic 2026 is coming...Friday, August 7, 2026! Spread the word, mark your calendar, and save the date! We hope to see you here for a day filled with stories, friendship & fun!

03/08/2026

🌟 Happy International Women’s Day! 🌟

Today, we proudly honor the incredible women of the Park Forest Fire Department. Your dedication, resilience, and courage inspire us every day. Thank you for breaking barriers and proving that strength knows no gender.

Together, you keep our community safe and serve as shining examples of leadership and empowerment. 💪🔥

Let’s celebrate the amazing contributions of women in our community and beyond!

02/26/2026

The Park Forest Fire Department was proud to host an impactful and meaningful EMS training focused on the complex and sensitive nature of child abuse and neglect cases. We were honored to welcome guest speakers from LaRabida Children’s Advocacy Center, who provided invaluable insight.

In addition to the presentation, our area Paramedics and EMTs participated in a team-based, Jeopardy-style review game to strengthen their knowledge of Region VII EMS Standing Medical Orders and procedures. The interactive format encouraged collaboration, sharpened critical thinking, and reinforced key operational concepts in a fun and engaging way.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Park Forest Police Department, Matteson Fire Department, Markham Fire Department, University Park Fire Department, Crete Fire Department, South Cook EMS System, and LaRabida Children’s Advocacy Center for their partnership and support. Trainings like these strengthen interagency relationships and ensure we remain prepared to provide the highest level of care and advocacy for those who need us most.