Rochester Fire & Rescue

09/02/2026

Yesterday evening, RFPD responded to a reported structure fire on Swigert Road. Upon arrival, crews determined the fire involved a propane-fueled generator located adjacent to a structure.

Crews quickly worked to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading to the nearby structure.

Thank you to our mutual aid partners from Chatham Fire Department, Edinburg IL Fire Department, and Pawnee Fire Department for their assistance. We appreciate you!

09/01/2026

This evening, RFPD hosted a Tech Rescue Refresher Training, instructed by Springfield Fire Department Driver Engineer Matt Hoffman, Captain Matt Murphy, and Captain Shaun Shaw.

Members worked alongside our mutual aid partners from Chatham FPD, Midland FPD, Divernon FPD, and Pawnee FPD to refresh technical rescue skills and continue strengthening the teamwork that is so important when responding to complex incidents.

We appreciate our instructors for sharing their knowledge and experience, and thank all of our mutual aid partners who joined us for an evening of training.

08/31/2026

Riverton FPD Retired Chief Dominic Vespa has been placed atop the engine for his final ride through Riverton—a community he faithfully served and protected for so many years.

Today, RFPD and so many other gather to honor a lifetime of service, sacrifice, leadership, and brotherhood.

Chief Vespa, your final ride may be today, but your legacy will travel these streets forever.

08/31/2026

🔥 Fire Drill Training in Our Schools 🔥

This morning, all Rochester District schools are practicing their fire drills and emergency procedures.

These drills help ensure students, teachers, and staff know exactly what to do and where to go in the event of a fire or other emergency. Practicing these procedures is an important part of keeping everyone prepared and safe.

RFPD is proud to work alongside our schools to help keep our students and staff safe throughout the school year.

08/30/2026

Today, members of RFPD had the privilege of attending the memorial service and bell ceremony honoring Riverton FPD retired Chief Dominic Vespa.

We continue to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Vespa family, his friends, and our brothers and sisters of the Riverton Fire Protection District during this difficult time.

Tomorrow, RFPD will have the honor of participating in Chief Vespa’s funeral procession as we come together to pay our final respects and honor a lifetime dedicated to the fire service.

08/30/2026

🚨 ONLY 10 DAYS LEFT TO GET YOUR BID IN! 🚨

Don’t miss the deadline! All bids must be received by 7:00 PM on September 9, 2026.

📩 Bids must be sealed in an envelope and either mailed or hand-delivered to the Rochester Fire Protection District.

RFPD is taking sealed bids from now until 7pm on September 9, 2026. Any questions are directed towards Chief Archer.
Thank you

08/26/2026

Today, members of RFPD had the honor of paying our respects to Chief Terry Nydegger by taking part in his funeral procession.

It was a privilege to stand alongside fellow first responders, family, and friends as we honored a lifetime of service and dedication.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences remain with Chief Nydegger’s family, friends, and fire service family during this difficult time.

08/25/2026

RFPD’s weekly night training took us to Springfield Fire Department’s South Tower training site, where members worked on ladder operations, bailout techniques, and search training alongside our mutual aid departments.

Thank you to SFD Division Chief McCormick for allowing us to utilize the training site.

08/23/2026

RFPD members were back out at the Illinois State Fair again today on stand by for the ARCA 100 mile stock car race.

08/23/2026

Yesterday, RFPD members had the opportunity to assist the Sangamon Co. Rescue Squad with Fire & EMS standby coverage during the USAC Silver Crown races at the Illinois State Fair