The West Chicago Fire Protection District scheduled five community sessions in October to gather resident input before making decisions about staffing, equipment and fire stations.
Chief Jeffrey Keefe will lead each "Listen and Learn" session, covering how the district operates and where it stands, according to the district's official flyer. After his presentation, an independent facilitator will lead small-group conversations where attendees can share what they expect from emergency services in their neighborhoods. Optional station tours follow each in-person session.
The district's flyer noted that someone in West Chicago calls for help roughly every two hours and that decisions about who answers those calls, with what equipment and at which stations, are underway. The flyer does not specify which decisions are pending.
In-person sessions
- Wednesday, Oct. 14, 6 p.m. — Station 6, 200 Fremont St.
- Thursday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. — Station 5, 1651 Atlantic Dr.
- Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6 p.m. — Station 7, 1080 Commerce Dr.
Zoom sessions
- Monday, Oct. 19, 6 p.m. — English
- Tuesday, Oct. 20, 6 p.m. — Spanish
Zoom links are available at wegofpd.org.
Every session covers the same material, so residents can pick whichever date works. Spanish interpretation is available at all sessions, not just the Oct. 20 Zoom. No RSVP is required, though the district said letting them know ahead of time helps with planning.
The district responds to more than 4,000 calls a year across 26 square miles in DuPage and Kane counties. It operates four stations staffed around the clock and holds an ISO Class 2 rating, one of the highest fire-protection ratings a department can earn.
The sessions are separate from the district's annual open house, held Saturday, Sept. 26, at Station 6. Residents with questions can contact the district at (630) 231-2123 or [email protected].
