We previously mentioned that the Tinley Park Fire Department has placed an order for a new aerial ladder truck, marking a significant upgrade for the department. The TribLocal recently published an article that dives deeper into how this purchase was funded and highlights the community’s long-standing support for local firefighters.
For over 100 years, regular donations from Tinley Park residents have remained essential to supporting the fire department, even as the town has grown and evolved. Recently, the Village Board approved the purchase of a new ladder truck for $850,000. However, thanks to the Tinley Park Fire Department Association, only half of the cost will come from taxpayer funds.
The association, which has been raising money since 1902 through its annual dinner dance and fundraising efforts, will cover $425,000 of the cost. Trustee Brian Maher, who chairs the Public Safety Committee, praised the group’s contributions: “It’s helped us keep costs to the taxpayers down, so we certainly appreciate all the individual contributions towards that.â€
Although the department now employs over 100 part-time firefighters, it originally started as a volunteer force that depended on community support. Despite decades of change, the strong relationship between the department and residents has remained consistent. Mike Hughes, a firefighter and president of the association, said, “It kind of goes back to when they were running a true volunteer fire department and had to raise money to buy equipment.â€
The first Annual Firefighters Dance in 1902 raised just $15.15, but today, the event is still held every January and remains one of the association’s top fundraisers. “We’re a very blessed organization,†Hughes added. “It’s a great town and it’s got a lot of pride. What the community does for us, it’s kind of amazing.â€
The association regularly helps fund essential equipment, including ladder trucks and fire engines. Their last major purchase in 2007 was a $401,000 fire engine. Without their financial support, Maher explained, the village would have had to rely entirely on tax dollars for such large expenses.
You can read the full article here.
Thanks, Dennis
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