“The General” - WEGOFPD E-Newsletter

Summer 2026

*Our newsletter is named in commemoration of our 1934 antique fire pumper known as “The General” for its’ many years of great service to the community. Click HERE for some Department historical info.

Emergency: Dial 9-1-1 I Non-emergency: (630) 231-2123

SAVE THE DATE Join us for our Fire Department 2026 OPEN HOUSE -Saturday September 26, 2026 from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire St. #6 (200 Fremont Street).

District Update

from Fire Chief Jeffery M. Keefe

Summer is off to a busy start for the West Chicago Fire Protection District. In May, the District’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget was approved as a balanced budget, continuing our commitment to providing reliable fire, rescue, and emergency medical services while remaining mindful of costs and the responsible use of taxpayer dollars.


The District also continues to work through the goals outlined in its strategic plan, including long-term planning for staffing, fleet replacement, equipment, and future service needs, so we remain prepared to meet our community’s needs for years to come. As we move through 2026, the District is proud to recognize its 130th anniversary, an important milestone that reflects a long history of service to the West Chicago community.


Summer also brings many opportunities to connect with the community we serve. We were pleased to take part in Touch-a-Truck and excited to welcome Union Pacific’s Big Boy to West Chicago while working alongside our local partners to plan such a large and unique event. We also look forward to participating in upcoming community traditions, including the America 250th parade. Whether responding to emergencies, supporting special events, or providing public education, members of the West Chicago Fire Protection District remain proud to serve West Chicago with professionalism and readiness.

Special Safety Message 

July 4th is approaching, and the Fire District would like to remind the community that the sale, possession, and discharge of consumer FIREWORKS is illegal in the West Chicago Fire Protection District/City of West Chicago. Each year, thousands of injuries occur, and properties are extensively damaged due to the discharge of consumer fireworks. The best way to prevent injuries and damage is to leave the fireworks to the professionals


Click on the video on the right from the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance to learn about the dangers of Sparklers.


Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

Sparkler Danger Video

Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Sparkler Safety Video

Seasonal Safety News 

Summer is our time to enjoy the outdoors. Many community members are using E-scooters to travel throughout the area. To help keep our community members safe, the Fire District would like to share a few E-scooter safety tips.  

Injury Prevention Reminder  

The summer heat is upon us, and everyone is trying to stay cool. Our personal and community pools offer great spots to beat the heat. However, caution needs to be exercised to prevent drowning, especially for young children. Check out our pool safety tips to help keep everyone safe!

Disaster Readiness Post

Summertime can mean sudden storms and downpours. Heavy rain over a short period can cause flash flooding of roadways and low-lying areas. What sometimes looks like a harmless puddle could be a deep pool of water that can be hazardous. It is important to remember the message "Turn around and Don't Drown". Click on the image below to learn more about flood safety.

Quick Fact

West Chicago Fire Protection District provides Paramedic services using two Advanced Life Support Ambulances. The ambulances are housed at Fire St. 5 on the north side and Fire St. 7 on the south side, but they cover the entire response area. The ambulances are staffed 24/7 by Paramedics. All West Chicago Fire District personnel are licensed to deliver emergency medical services, and all fire suppression units are equipped with emergency medical equipment to augment the ambulances. All District residents and visitors are thoroughly protected by a comprehensive system of emergency medical services.  


West Chicago ambulances are designed to serve as an "emergency room on wheels," equipped to handle any medical emergency, ranging from simple illnesses or injuries to cardiac arrest. Besides treating the patient, the units will transport to several area hospitals, with Central Dupage Hospital being a primary destination.

PARTNER EVENTS

Our personnel will be participating in the following upcoming community events:



National Night Out Against Crime – 8/4/26 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Reed-Keppler Park.

DuPage Airport Back to School Event – 8/6/26 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. DuPage Airport

Follow the West Chicago Fire Protection District at www.wegofpd.org or on Facebook for timely news & updates.

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