Volunteer Fire Department Celebrates 100 Years of Service

The Palos Heights Volunteer Fire Department reached a remarkable milestone this weekend, celebrating 100 years of dedicated service to the southwest suburban community and surrounding areas. The centennial celebration, held at the department’s headquarters on South Harlem Avenue, drew hundreds of current and former volunteers, city officials, and grateful residents.

Founded in 1924 by a group of local residents concerned about fire protection in their growing community, the department has evolved from a small band of neighbors with basic equipment to a sophisticated emergency response organization serving over 12,000 residents across Palos Heights and mutual aid partners.

“When my grandfather helped start this department, they had one truck and a lot of heart,” said Captain Maria Gonzalez, whose family has contributed three generations of volunteers to the department. “Today we respond to over 800 calls annually, from structure fires to medical emergencies, technical rescues, and hazardous material incidents. The commitment to community service remains exactly the same.”

The department currently operates with 45 active volunteers, maintaining three fire engines, one ladder truck, two ambulances, and specialized rescue equipment. Unlike Chicago’s professional fire department, Palos Heights relies entirely on volunteers who undergo extensive training while maintaining full-time careers outside the fire service.

Historical records show the department’s first major test came during the harsh winter of 1929, when volunteers battled multiple structure fires during subzero temperatures. The department’s response helped save several businesses along Harlem Avenue that would have otherwise been lost, establishing its reputation for reliability that continues today.

Throughout the decades, the volunteer department has adapted to changing community needs. In the 1960s, they added emergency medical services. The 1980s brought hazardous materials response capabilities as industrial development increased in the area. Most recently, the department has incorporated advanced life support services and specialized technical rescue training.

“These volunteers sacrifice time with their families, sleep, and personal comfort to protect their neighbors,” said Palos Heights Mayor Robert Straz during Saturday’s ceremony. “Their dedication represents the very best of community spirit, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have such committed individuals serving our city.”

The celebration featured equipment displays, demonstrations of rescue techniques, and tours of the modernized fire station. Children enjoyed trying on firefighting gear while adults examined historical photographs and artifacts dating back to the department’s founding. A vintage 1940s fire engine, lovingly restored by department members, drew particular attention from visitors.

Current Chief Thomas Rodriguez emphasized the ongoing need for new volunteers as the community continues growing. The department typically recruits 8-10 new members annually to replace those who relocate or retire from active service. Training requirements have become more rigorous over the decades, with new volunteers completing over 200 hours of initial training before responding to emergency calls.

“We’re always looking for residents who want to give back to their community,” Rodriguez explained. “Volunteers don’t need prior experience – we provide all necessary training. What we need are people committed to helping their neighbors during emergencies and willing to dedicate time to ongoing education and training.”

The department’s mutual aid partnerships extend throughout the southwest suburbs, with Palos Heights volunteers regularly assisting neighboring communities during large incidents. Similarly, departments from Palos Park, Worth, Oak Lawn, and other nearby municipalities provide backup support when needed. This cooperative approach ensures adequate resources are available for major emergencies affecting any community in the region.

Recent technological improvements have enhanced the department’s effectiveness. New communication equipment provides better coordination with other agencies. Advanced medical equipment in ambulances allows volunteers to provide higher levels of care. Updated protective gear better protects firefighters during structure fires and hazardous material incidents.

The volunteer model faces challenges common throughout suburban Chicago. Rising training requirements, increased call volumes, and time pressures on volunteers juggling careers and family obligations have made recruitment and retention more difficult. However, Palos Heights has maintained adequate staffing levels through community outreach and competitive training programs.

Several longtime volunteers received special recognition during the celebration. Robert Chen, who joined in 1978, was honored for 46 years of service. Lisa Thompson received recognition for her role in developing the department’s community education programs, which reach over 1,000 local students annually through school visits and safety demonstrations.

Looking ahead, department leadership is planning facility improvements to accommodate larger modern equipment and enhanced training capabilities. A capital campaign is being developed to fund these improvements while maintaining the department’s volunteer structure that has served the community effectively for a century.

The centennial celebration concluded with a moment of silence honoring the seven volunteers who died while serving the department over its 100-year history. Their names are engraved on a memorial plaque in the station’s main bay, serving as a daily reminder of the risks volunteers accept when they commit to protecting their community.

As Palos Heights continues growing and changing, the volunteer fire department remains a constant source of protection and community pride, ready to serve for the next 100 years.