Barry Mueller, Chief

The Niles Fire Department managed with volunteers in October, 1910, and by 1947 the department hired its first full time members. Today the department operates two fire stations in the Village; one is at the corner of Dempster and Cumberland, the other is at Jarvis and Oak Park. These stations are manned twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year by 51 highly trained firefighter / paramedics. The department runs two Advance Life Support Ambulance units with a third in reserve that is manned by off-duty personnel, if needed.

The department maintains a class 3 fire rating from the ISO rating bureau which helps Village residents and businesses keep their fire insurance rates down. Niles is also member of the R.E.D. Center Dispatch System and M.A.B.A.S. Mutual Aid System. R.E.D. is responsible for the everyday telephone calls and dispatching of units, while M.A.B.A.S. is used in times of large fires or emergencies. Together, the two systems insure that there will always be someone to respond to your emergency.

The on-duty manning for the day is 13 to 17 employees depending on scheduling. They operate two engines, two advanced life support ambulances, one ladder truck and one battalion command car. There are two engines, one Quint and one ambulance, in reserve. Daily management is handled by the shift District Chief, while the Chief has command over the entire department. The department also employs one Deputy Chief, one administrative assistant and one department secretary. The Fire Prevention Bureau is manned by two inspectors.

The Niles Fire Department offers a number of programs to Village residents:

• Emergency Medical Service
• Fire Suppression
• Rescue
• Training
• Fire Inspection
• Fire Investigation
• Hazardous Materials Response
• Underwater Rescue & Recovery
• Special Rescue

PUBLIC EDUCATION: The Public Education Division delivers instruction on a variety of fire and personal safety topics including first aid, CPR, and home escape planning. The department routinely offers programs geared to any age level at the fire station, in the schools and, when possible, at other locations in the Village. Community groups interested in organizing a training session may contact the Fire Department Public Education Officer at 588-6841.

C.P.R. TRAINING: The department offers classes in cardiopulmonary resuscitation to the general public. For information please contact FF/PM Jim Leibach at 847-588-6800.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE: The Fire Department is committed to providing emergency medical service to community and business residents. Two mobile intensive care units are continually staffed, available, and ready to administer lifesaving treatment in the most critical, life-threatening emergencies. To call for an ambulance or the police or fire departments, dial 9-1-1.

SMOKE DETECTOR PROGRAM: The Department offers UL approved smoke detectors which are available at the headquarters station, 8360 Dempster St., for a discounted cost. When occupancy inspections are conducted, the code inspector checks for operable smoke alarms.

HOME INSPECTION PROGRAM: The Fire Department provides free home inspection to interested residents who call 847-588-6800. A firefighter will conduct a 15 minute examination of key safety elements and discuss suggestions to eliminate hazards.

FIRE PREVENTION: The Fire Prevention Bureau reviews plans for all new buildings prior to occupancy to ensure compliance with all fire prevention codes. The Bureau also inspects industrial, commercial and major residential properties for code adherence.

BLOOD PRESSURE TESTING: Residents are able to receive free blood pressure testing at either fire station -8360 Dempster Street or 6611 Jarvis Avenue. Stop by either station Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. when personnel are available.

DISABILITY PROGRAM: The Fire Department maintains a computerized alerting program which advises responding firefighters that a person with a permanent disability needs special attention during a fire situation. To request a form for registration in the program, call 847-588-6800.

SPEAKER'S BUREAU: Representatives of the Fire Department are available to Niles service clubs, homeowner associations or church groups to speak on a variety of fire safety and emergency medical subjects. To set up an appointment, forward a letter of request to the Niles Fire Department, 8360 West Dempster Street, Niles, Illinois 60714; or contact the department at 847-588-6841.

LIBRARY SAFETY CORNER: The Niles Fire Department provides up-to-date safety information to the Niles Public Library. A special corner, called the Safety Corner, has been set aside for residents - both adults and children - to obtain information on various fire and life safety issues. Come check out the Safety Corner's special books, videos, and computer programs!

Current Authorized Department Strength - 55 Sworn Personnel

1 - Chief of Department
1 - Deputy Chief
1 - Clerical Support
1 - Administrative Aide
3 - District Chiefs - Platoon Commanders
9 - Lieutenants - Company Commanders
l - Lt. Inspector F.P.B.
l - Firefighter Inspector F.P.B.
9 - Fire Apparatus Engineers
30 - Firefighter/Paramedics

Daily Platoon assignment at full strength - 17 personnel

Station #2: 8360 Dempster Street Niles, IL 60714