(L to R) Assistant Springfield Fire Department Chief Julie Plunk, Springfield Fire Department Chief Nicholas Zummo, Springfield Fire Department Captain Bill Benedict, Springfield Fire Department Captain Adam Crowder, Springfield Fire Department Battalion Chief Clint Warnisher (along with Ozzy K9). Springfield Police Officer Jerad Spaid, Springfield Police Department Chief Joseph Behl, Springfield Police Department Assistant Chief Ryan Leach, and Mayor Misty Buscher. (Not pictured Springfield Fire Captain Doug Iwanicki and Springfield Fire Captain Pat Trees)

Today, Thursday, August 21, Springfield Fire Chief Nick Zummo and Mayor Misty Buscher presented honors to members of the Springfield Police Department and the Springfield Fire Department for their swift actions and teamwork leading to an arson arrest.

On July 30, the Springfield Fire Department responded to a 10th-floor apartment fire at 424 North 4th Street. Thanks to the building’s sprinkler system and the quick actions of firefighters, the blaze was contained, residents were evacuated, and two burn victims received aid.

While searching the building, crews discovered incendiary devices. With help from Ozzy, the Fire Department’s Ignitable Liquid Detection K9, and the Fire Safety Division, evidence was preserved and the cause of the fire identified. Working alongside the Springfield Police Department, investigators quickly accessed security footage, identified a suspect, and made an arrest the same day.

This outstanding example of interagency teamwork highlights the dedication and professionalism of both departments. Certificates of Commendation and Company Citations were presented to Springfield Police Officer Jared Spaid along with Springfield Fire Department personnel, Captain Bill Benedict, Captain Adam Crowder, Battalion Chief Clint Warnisher, Captain Doug Iwanicki and Springfield Fire Captain Pat Trees in recognition of their efforts.

Together, the Springfield Fire and Police Departments demonstrated public safety at its best, protecting lives, property, and our community.

Voucher Sign-Up Open for Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event!

Register Here: 

https://springfield.il.us/Forms/HouseholdHazardousWaste.aspx 

The Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event is taking place on Saturday, September 27 from 8 AM to 3 PM near Chamberlain Park at S. McCreery Avenue and E. Capitol Avenue.

Safely dispose of items like paint, cleaners, oil, and more. Registration is REQUIRED and is Now Open https://springfield.il.us/Forms/HouseholdHazardousWaste.aspx.

You will receive your voucher to bring on your mobile device or print a copy to show upon arrival. This event is open to all Illinois residents.

Thanks for doing your part to keep our community safe and environment clean! 

Public Works Chlef City Engineer Nate Bottom in the Potato Sack Race.

The City's team, Capital Avengers, represented by (L to R) Springfield Police Department Assistant Chief Ryan Leach, Public Works Chief City Engineer Nate Bottom, Springfield Fire Chief Nick Zummo, Corporation Counsel Greg Moredock, and Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau Director Scott Dahl, took the win .

3 Hot Days In August, A Time For Reflection of History

Last Thursday's opening reception at Lincoln Library for "3 Hot Days in August", a city-wide observance of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot, was a powerful evening of learning, reflection, remembrance, and reclaiming history.

Guests experienced a moving film screening of "Springfield Had No Shame," a documentary that brings the history of the riot to life through historical photographs, dramatic readings, and re-enactments. A special thank you to our featured presenters, Dr. Brian Mitchell and Anne Moseley, whose dedication ensures the events of 1908 are never forgotten and continue to serve as a vital lesson for future generations. Austin Randolph, President of the Springfield Branch NAACP of Illinois, Lincoln Library Director Gwen Harrison and Mayor Misty Buscher also addressed guests.

Social Security's 90th Anniversary

This week, AARP held a Legislative Luncheon for the 90th Anniversary for Social Security. The event featured a panel of local and state government officials. Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher spoke on the importance of creating age-friendly living communities. State Senator Doris Turner and Senator Steve McClure spoke, along with Representative Coffey, discussing policies directly connected to Social Security that can benefit Illinoisians. Social Security funding for Illinois is set at $48.8 billion dollars each year, with more than 45,000 residents in Sangamon County benefiting from that funding.

Turn your ideas into reality at the CoLab!

What is the Collaboratory?

Lincoln Library's Makerspace! We are open to the public and patrons are free to come in and use our equipment free of charge. We can provide very basic introductions to the machines upon request. We also have classes available. Check our schedule!

CoLab Hours

• Mondays from 10am to 2pm
• Tuesdays from 10am to 2pm
• Wednesdays from 3pm to 7pm
• We also have open hours every third Saturday of the month from 10am to 2pm.

What can I find at the CoLab?

The 900 square foot space on the 3rd floor features:

• Bambu Labs 3D printer
• Cricut Machines
• Sewing and embroidery machines
• Podcast recording equipment
• OMTech Laser Cutter
• And more!

How do I use the CoLab?

Come on in during open hours! You can also check this website for classes to learn how to use the equipment. 

Equipment will not be able to be checked out and a library card is not required, but users must sign a waiver in order to use the space. 

This space is free to use.