|
Mokena Fire Department was organized in 1917 with approximately 30 members. When the fire alarm sounded, the Volunteer Firefighters answered the call with the following equipment: 300 feet of 3/4 inch hose mounted on a wooden hose cart which was pulled by the Firefighters, 6 rubber buckets, 2 red flags, 2 red lights, and 4 white lights. This hose cart is still in existence today and proudly displayed at Mokena Fire Protection District Station #1.
In the fall of 1932, representatives of the W. S. Darley Company, manufacturers of firefighting equipment, held a demonstration of the fire apparatus mounted on a Ford chassis. The fire truck was connected to the fire plug in front of the Mokena Hardware Company and went through a series of hose demonstrations. The water was pumped directly from the water main and the various types of hoses were able to throw quite powerful streams of water. At the time, the Village Board was not in a position to purchase this type of firefighting equipment, so it became necessary to plan on acquiring this firefighting equipment by public subscription, as had been done in so many neighboring Villages. At the time, Mokena was in dire need of an organized Fire Department and some type of modern firefighting equipment.
Original Hose cart pictured 1889
Original Fire Station located at 10940 Front Street circa 1938
(photo courtesy Robert Horras Family Historical Collection)
In November 1932, the matter of reorganizing the Mokena Volunteer Fire Department was taken up at the regular meeting of the Mokena Village Council. When the Department was founded, it had eight members. It was decided to reorganize a Fire Department with 25 Firefighters and all the Village Board members agreed to enroll as members.
In December 1932, a list of 25 names, who were willing to serve in the newly reorganized Mokena Volunteer Fire Department was approved by the Village Board. On December 15, 1932, the Mokena Volunteer Fire Department was formally organized with 25 active members.
Early in 1933, a used 1929 Model "A" Ford chassis, previously used as a coal truck, was purchased for $75.00. On July 4, 1933, the Mokena Volunteer Fire Department sponsored a fire truck benefit dance at the Mokena Men's Club pavilion, located on Wolf Road, to raise funds to outfit the truck with the necessary firefighting equipment. By July 15, 1933, the Mokena Village fire truck was complete with chemicals and a pump, the latter being purchased by the Village at a cost of $373.00. The remaining cost of the truck, totaling $650.00, was paid for by the Firefighters and the truck was donated by them to the Village. The members of the Fire Department also purchased additional parts and assembled the truck at no expense to the Village. At this time, the truck carried approximately 1,200 feet of hose, and with the chemicals newly acquired, small oil fires and attic fires could be quickly extinguished without using the regular fire hose. This Model “A” Ford truck is still used to this day in Mokena’s annual 4th of July parade.
During 1934, 1935, 1936, and 1937, the Department was meeting three and four times a year, but was slowly building, so that by September of 1938, there were approximately 20 active members assigned to the Department. One of the chief duties of the Department during these years
was the annual chimney inspections made throughout the Village during Fire Prevention Week.
From 1938 until about May 1941, there was very little regular activity of the Department from a meeting standpoint.
Meetings were cut down to annual basis, as opposed to a monthly or semi-monthly basis, as had been the practice in the past. In May, 1945, an annual meeting was held in the Village Hall with 28 members present; the main order of business was the need to acquire some different equipment for the Fire Department, namely some type of fire truck. By this time, the old Model "A" was in need of serious repairs, and the cost estimates of repairs, plus the shortage of parts, did not make this a feasible solution. A public mass meeting was called for Monday, May 21, to be held at Hatch Hall, Mokena, to which all town and country people were invited. The main theme of the meeting was "Better Fire Protection for the Entire Community". At the same time, the Department put on a membership drive trying to enlist more new members from both the town and rural areas.
As a result of the mass meeting, a further meeting was held on June 18, at which time it was decided that in order to solicit funds for the new fire equipment, it would be necessary to change the name of the Mokena Volunteer Fire Department to the Mokena Community Volunteer Fire Department. The plan to solicit public funds or by public subscription was necessary, because the Village Board was unable to come up with the necessary amount of money from taxation that was needed to purchase a new fully equipped fire truck. The first step in this plan was to make a house to house and farm to farm canvas to accept pledges as a means of determining whether or not the people would actually support the purchase of a new fire truck.
In 1945, the new piece of equipment, a pumper, was purchased for a cash price of $4,967.00 from Central Fire Truck Corporation out of St. Louis, Missouri. This pumper had a 500 gpm fire pump and carried 500 gallons of water on a Ford chassis. This unit was delivered in February of 1946.
1945 Ford Fire Engine built by Central Fire Truck Corporation
From 1947 to 1956, the Department operated on an annual meeting basis, with special meetings called as needed. The annual dance and card party proceeds kept the Department solvent, but the Officers, saw the need for a change.
In May, 1956, a reorganization meeting was held at the VFW Hall, with a capacity crowd present. Equipment repair, squad training, and regular maintenance were the main items in the next few months. The immediate need of an inhalator was stressed by President Marti. In August, 1956, the AMVETS sponsored a dance, with 50 percent of the proceeds going to the inhalator fund. The September 20th issue of the News Bulletin carried an appeal for public aid in obtaining the necessary money for an inhalator. On September 23, 1956, disaster in the form of two fires hit the town. Kreml's Tavern caught on fire, and shortly thereafter, the Shopping Bag fire started. All surrounding towns furnished equipment and fought the fire throughout the night. A local citizen aiding the firemen was overcome by smoke. This experience increased the need for an inhalator unit immediately. A sign and a fire pail, left at the scene, netted $324.00 in contributions in one day. By October 11, 1956, the fund was $559.00, and the inhalator was ordered.
Shopping Bag Fire Sept. 23, 1956 Note collection bucket on sign pole
In August, 1957, a tanker, was put in service. This unit was a used 800 gallon tanker on a Chevy chassis. Bake sales, sponsored by the Fire Department, were conducted three times a year as a means of obtaining additional income. With the addition of this tanker, it meant that one truck had to stand outside all the time. The need for a new fire house was becoming more apparent with the increased population in the town and the surrounding area.
1957 Chevy 800 gallon water tanker in front of original fire station on Front Street (now serves as the ESDA building)
Left to Right: Charles Swanberg, Fire Chief Art Hostert, Jim Marti.
In October, 1958, a planning committee was formed and the site of the new fire house was decided on. Once again, the men went to work forming committees for pledges and public subscriptions in order to purchase and build the new building.
Ground breaking for new fire station on Front Street
Left to Right: Nick Wieler, Marti Medema, Fire Chief Art Hostert, Walter Muehler, Eric Book, Fred Clark, Stan Williams, Walter Kopps, Jim Marti
In February, 1960, the first meeting was held in the new fire house. Inside work continued throughout all of 1960, with the work being done by the firemen.
During the early stages of the building planning, the Civil Defense Director was able to acquire many miscellaneous items used by the firemen. In July, 1959, the Department acquired the first carry all, through Civil Defense. In October, 1960, also through Civil Defense, the Department acquired a pumper. This truck needed a lot of work to bring it up to the Department's standards.
In March, 1962, the new siren was installed, paid for jointly by the Village, Civil Defense, and the Fire Department.
On July 19, 1962, an election was held, and the creation of the District was passed almost unanimously. As the work on the fire house was very time consuming, the officers were considering a possible Fire District supported by taxation so the men could better serve the community as firemen, and not have to devote so much time to raising money to keep the Department solvent. Accordingly, and once again, after a lot of work done by the men, plans were laid for a Fire Protection District. All equipment, building, and supplies were paid for so the District’s application met no opposition.
In August, 1962, the first two-way radios were installed in trucks.
In July, 1963, for the first time, full protective gear, raincoats, boots, helmets, and gloves were ordered for all officers and active firemen. In August, the first Water Ball Team was formed, and plans laid for a Water Ball court for Mokena.
In October, 1963, a belated Open House was held with about 75 visitors present.
Trucks were continuously breaking down, and became quite an expense to operate. In November, 1963, an order was placed for a new pumper. The Department took delivery on this at the factory in February of 1964. The pumper, a John Bean Ford Cab-Over carried 750 gallons of water and had a 750 gallon per minute fire pump along with a 30 gpm John Bean High Pressure pump.
December, 1963, saw the second Shopping Bag fire, followed by two others, all fought in sub-zero weather. During 1964 and 1965, the Department started new training programs, first aid programs, fire schools, and began to build a foundation for a good solid Department. In January, 1964, the Ladies Auxiliary of the MCVFD was formed. Each year, the ladies worked towards a major item of equipment to be donated to the Department. An inhalator, smoke ejector, air packs, portable tank, and numerous other items have been given to the Department through the kindness of the ladies.
The Department took delivery of a new engine in February of 1964. It was a 1964 John Bean Ford Cab-Over that carried 750 gallons of water and had a 750 gallon per minute fire pump along with a 30 gpm John Bean High Pressure pump.
By midyear, 1965, the old carry all became too expensive to operate, so plans to replace this rig began. In October, 1965, #7, another carry all, was put into service. In November, 1965, the special new badges were received.
During 1966, plans for the 50th Anniversary, to be held in 1967, were being made. At the same time, the men participated in parades, Water Ball contests, attended fire drill classes, fire schools, conducted Fire Prevention investigations, stood guard duty at the local schools, and, in general, did their civic duties as best they could. Oh, yes, at the same time they were there when needed, at any hour, at any place, whether it was a fire, an inhalator call, or an accident.
Full dress uniforms for all officers and men were acquired in February, 1967, paid for by the Department. In the fall of 1967, the firemen invested in home alert radios, the funds for which were acquired through fund raising activities. This system greatly reduced the time required to respond to a call for help.
The Department's 50th Anniversary was held on October 7, 1967, at St. Mary's Cow Palace. A parade of 25 fire departments was held the following day. A new pumper-tanker was placed in service in March, 1969; it provided foam extinguishing equipment in addition to carrying 1,000 gallons of water and having a 1,000 gallon per minute pump. This pumper was built by John Bean on a Ford cab over chassis with a gasoline engine.
Chief Robert Rust passed away on August 27, 1971 at the age of 37. A full fire department funeral was given to Chief Robert Rust which included a procession from St. Johns United Church of Christ to St. Johns Cemetery located on Wolf Road.
 
It was obvious to the firemen and the District Trustees that the number of emergency vehicles and volunteers had outgrown the existing building on Front Street. In 1972, the District purchased the property immediately west of the fire house for expansion. In December, 1972, ground was broken for a much needed addition, which included three apparatus bays, radio room, kitchen, Chief's office, day room, rest rooms, conference room, air room, and maintenance shop.
To facilitate the building, the 100 foot radio tower had to be moved to the east end of the fire house. The siren, which was previously mounted on the Village water tower and sometimes froze up in the winter, was relocated on a pole at the west end of the addition. The District and firemen proudly showed off their new "home" during an Open House in June, 1973, attended by almost 1,000 interested public minded citizens. Anyone present that day could not help being touched by the solemn dedication of the memorial flag pole and marker in memory of Robert G. Rust, who served as Chief of the Department from 1962 to the time of his death in August, 1971.
To further reduce the response time of the firemen, three remote base stations were added to the radio equipment in the fall of 1973. This meant that immediately upon receiving a call, an operator could activate each fireman's home receiver, instead of having to wait until the first
fire fighter arrived at the fire house. As in the case of the original purchase of the home receivers, fund raising events wholly supported this acquisition.
Mokena Community Volunteer Fire Department held membership in several local, state, and interstate associations. The values of these associations was never more evident than in October of 1974, when early one Thursday morning, a call for mutual aid was sent to several neighboring Departments to fight a blaze at the Dunham’s Hardware Store which was located at Front Street and Division Street. All through the night and into the early morning hours, 70 firefighters of these Departments fought together in a successful attempt to minimize the loss to the contents of the hardware store and protect adjacent buildings.
Almost every year, as the population of the District increased, the number of calls for help also increased. In 1974, 250 calls were answered.
In 1974, the Insurance Service Office (I.S.O.) gave the District new fire ratings of 9 Rural and 7 Village.
A Pierce mini-pumper on a four-wheel drive Dodge chassis was delivered and placed into service in July, 1974; its function as an attack pumper and grass fire truck was a welcomed addition to a versatile combination of fire fighting and rescue equipment. The apparatus had a 240 gpm pump and roll fire pump and carried 250 gallons of water.
As the town and surrounding areas continued to grow, the need for more firemen and more diversified equipment was needed. A Pierce rescue squad was purchased and put into service in 1975. The need for more sophisticated rescue equipment was evident. The firemen designed and ordered a truck, whose specific purpose was rescue.
It became evident that a need and desire was present for a specialized team known as the Rescue Squad. In the summer of 1975, this unit was formed and began special training. Most of the members of the Rescue Squad were EMT's. The Department sponsored two firemen to the
Emergency Medical Technician Training program in September, 1972, and, as of 1975, 12 of Mokena's firemen had completed the 80-hour classroom and practical schooling.
The Department's first emergency childbirth in 1975 was only one of the many examples of the public benefitting from this comprehensive study of emergency medical assistance.
In 1975, the 1957 Tanker was retired after faithfully serving the District for many years.
In 1976, 32 Motorola Page Boy receivers were purchased and put into service. This was a definite communication improvement.
In 1977, a Pierce 1,000 GPM pumper with a 750 gallon tank on a Ford Cab-over chassis was put into service. This was the first diesel powered engine for the Fire District.
In 1977, the Department began being dispatched for emergency fire and rescue calls by the Des Plaines Valley Communications Center.
In 1979, a Super Vac Heavy Rescue/Light Plant was purchased and put into service. This unit was on a Ford chassis with a galvanized body.
As more industrial and business firms located in our area, they installed automatic sprinklers and fire alarm systems tied into the station's communications network.
On July 4, 1980, the Village of Mokena's 100th anniversary parade was held. Fifty fire trucks, including the City of Chicago, participated.
In 1981, the Chief's car, a Ford Fairmont station wagon was purchased.
The Chi Cap Tank Farm fire in September, 1981, pointed the need for more 1 ½” foam equipment and 500 gallons of AFFF Foam. This fire was the result of a lightning strike.
In June, 1983, the District’s first full-time Code Enforcement Officer was hired.
In 1983, a Pierce 1,250 GPM pumper with 750 gallon water tank, and a 1000 gallon water tank, both on a Ford Cab-over crew cab chassis was purchased.
In March, 1984, the Insurance Rating Office, (I.S.O.), awarded Mokena a Class 7 rating for the rural area and a Class 5 for the city.
In October, 1984, the Department won Second Place in the State Fire Prevention contest in its population class.
On August 22, 1984, a fire occurred in the middle of the night at 10719 Green Meadow Lane in a 3-story, 12-unit apartment building. Fire fighters rescued 12 people, using ladders and rescue on a person as a result of an interior search. The only serious injury was to an occupant who jumped from a second floor balcony breaking a bone.
The Department was awarded a $10,000.00 Federal Fire Prevention Grant.
In 1985, a Ford Econoline van, designed as a Rescue Squad and Fire Prevention unit, was bought.
For a long period of time, rescue work and first aid was the subject of much discussion in the Fire District and in the local press. The question of Fire District owned and operated ambulances versus utilizing the services of local and nearby ambulance operators was under constant pressure to be resolved. In November 1985, a referendum to create an Ambulance District was defeated; another referendum was presented in November 1988 and passed.
In 1988, the Department purchased a Road Rescue Modular ambulance on a Ford E chassis for the Paramedic Service. This replaced the 1975 Pierce rescue truck. Also in 1988, six full-time paramedics, contracted through Metro Paramedics, started on 24/48 hour shifts.
In October, 1988, during the Department's Fire Prevention Open House, the display sign in front of the station was dedicated in memory of Ken Warning, who served the Department for 40 years.
In 1989, a Chevy Impala station wagon was purchased as a Chief's car, replacing the 1981 Ford Fairmont Station Wagon.
In September, 1989, the District hired its first Administrative Secretary.
Also in 1989, a new Ford diesel pickup truck for fighting grass fires and general utility work was purchased.
In May, 1990, the Department's first dog, a Dalmatian named Patch was donated. Tragically, Patch was only with us for a short time.
In 1990, the Department purchased a Pierce Tele-Squirt. It had a 50 foot pre-piped ladder with 1,500 GPM pump and 500 gallon water tank. This unit had a fully enclosed crew cab capable of seating six fire fighters.
On June 1, 1992, the Department switched to Southwest Central Dispatch for the dispatching of fire and ambulance calls.
In 1993, the District experienced an unprecedented number of working structure fires. All told there were 17 working fires with five going to the box alarm or higher. The most notable fire was G.B. Feld located on Front Street in April of that year. This fire went to the second alarm and destroyed almost the entire building.
In May of 1993 the District started construction of a new fire station located at 19853 S. Wolf Road. The Station was completed and occupancy was taken on January 4th, 1994. This Station was designated as Station #1. The Fire Station located on Front Street remained operational until the new Fire Station #2 was completed in 1996.
In 1994 a new ambulance was purchased to replace the 1985 Ford /Osage Ambulance. The new ambulance was on a Navistar chassis and Road Rescue box. The 1985 Ford/Osage Ambulance was donated to the Mokena Emergency Services and Disaster Agency.
In the fall of 1995, The Fire District began construction of a new fire station located at 10000 W. 191st Street to replace the old fire station on Front Street. In July of 1996, occupancy was taken. The old fire station on Front Street was sold to the Village of Mokena and renovated into the Mokena Police Station.
In 1995, the District became a charter member of the Combined Agency Response Team (CART). This team specializes in technical rescues such as building collapse, trench rescue, high angle rescue and confined space.
In 1995, the District decided to hire its own firefighter/paramedics in lieu of utilizing a contract service. In July of 1995, seven firefighter/paramedics were hired.
In 1996 another new ambulance was purchased to replace the 1988 Ford/Road Rescue ambulance. This ambulance was on a Navistar chassis and Road Rescue Box.
The District moved its dispatching services from Southwest Central Dispatch to Orland Central Dispatch in 1997.
On July 18, 1998 an F-1 tornado struck the District. The path of the storm was from the northwest to the southeast. The tornado touched down on Interstate 80 west of Route 45 where a semi tractor trailer was flipped over and proceeded to move southeast striking the NOVA Horse Stables, passed a few hundred yards east of Fire Station #2, striking Rienke Supply, Timber View RV and the Homewood Bank. The tornado was on the ground for two and half miles. The only injuries were to the driver of the semi tractor trailer.
The Fire District received a new ISO rating in April of 1998. The Fire Districts’ classification improved from a Class 5 to a Class 4.
In 1998, a 75’ quint was purchased from Seagrave Fire Apparatus. This unit was one of the first built by Seagrave. It has a 1750 GPM pump and a 500 gallon water tank.
In 1999 the District purchased a new pick-up to be used as a brush fire vehicle replacing the 1989 pick-up.
In 2000, a Rescue/Engine was purchased from Seagrave Fire Apparatus. This unit has a 1500 GPM pump and 500 gallon water tank. This unit also carries a complete set of extrication equipment.
In August of 2001, the Fire District’s ISO rating was once again reduced from a Class 4 to a Class 3. The Class 3 fire protection class is for the entire fire district which includes hydrant and non-hydrant areas.
In March of 2002, the Fire District was awarded Accredited Agency Status by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.
In April of 2002 the Fire District took delivery of a new Heavy Rescue Squad. This unit is on a Spartan Chassis with the body built by Super Vac. This unit was sold in 2020 to Coleman Fire Department in Wisconsin.
The Mokena Underwater Search and Recovery Team was activated in 2002. The Mokena Firefighters Association provided funding for a large portion of the equipment needed for the Dive Team.
In 2003, the District experienced its biggest fire in recent times. The fire became known as the Blackhawk Fire. The fire started in Wilson Rental and spread to an adjoining carpet warehouse and another storage unit. This fire went to a third alarm. While 12,000 square feet were totally destroyed, 20,000 square feet of the building was saved and occupied within hours. The building was not equipped with a fire sprinkler system.
In October of 2003, the full-time firefighters of the Fire District organized as the Mokena Professional Fire Fighters, International Association of Fire Fighters (I.A.F.F.) Local 4270.
On April 1, 2005, the Mokena Firefighters Association, formally known as the Mokena Community Volunteer Fire Department disbanded after 88 years of dedicated service.
March 2006, the residents of the Fire District approved a tax increase by a 2 to 1 vote. The tax increase is to be used hire additional career firefighters.
November 2006 took delivery of a 2007 Horton Ambulance.
In November 2006 the Fire District placed into service a new foam trailer. This trailer carries 250 gallons of 3% AFFF and 265 gallons of 1% AFFF. The trailer also carries equipment to turn any engine into a foam engine. The equipment and the 1% foam were donated to the District by the Tank Farm.
In January of 2007 the District took delivery of a new HME Engine. This unit has a 1500 gpm pump and carries 1000 gallons of water.
In August 2007 the Fire District was Re-Accredited by the Center for Public Safety Excellence/Commission on Fire Accreditation International. This marks the second time the Fire District was accredited.
In September of 2007, the District took delivery of a second 2007 Horton Ambulance. This unit replaced the 1994 Road Rescue Ambulance.
In February 2008, the District converted the chassis of the 1994 Road Rescue Ambulance to construct a foam truck. This unit replaced the foam trailer. It carries two 265 gallon totes of 1% AFFF foam.
On February 5th, 2009 the District moved its fire dispatching to the Lincoln Way Public Safety Communications Center located in the Frankfort Township office building on Lincoln Highway. This move was made along with the Frankfort, East Joliet, Manhattan and New Lenox Fire Districts.
In May of 2009 the District took delivery of a new Pierce 100’ Ladder Truck. This unit has a 1500 gpm pump, carries 500 gallons of water and 88 feet of ground ladders. This unit replaced the 1998 Seagrave 75’ truck which went into reserve status.
In June of 2009 the District placed into service a new Alexis Engine on an HME chassis. The Engine has a 1500 GPM pump and carries 1000 gallons of water.
In February 2010 the Fire District took delivery of a 2009 Horton Ambulance. This replaced a 1996 Road Rescue Ambulance that was returned to reserve status.
On April 28, 2010 a ground breaking ceremony was held at the site for Fire Station #3 located at 10855 W. 183rd Street. On December 17, 2010 the District moved in to Fire Station #3 and the station became fully operational.
On March 6, 2012, the Mokena Fire Protection District was re-accredited by the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) for meeting the criteria established through the CFAI’s voluntary self-assessment and accreditation program.
In August of 2012, the Fire District ISO rating was once again evaluated and remained steady at a Class 3 rating.
Chief Delbert Yunker passed away on May 13, 2013. Delbert Yunker actively served the MFPD from April 4, 1964 – 1991; during this time he proudly and honorably served as Fire Chief from 1979 – 1991.
On March 11, 2014 the 1996 International Reserve ambulance was completely converted to a building and apparatus maintenance vehicle.
In August of 2014 the Fire District ISO rating was once again evaluated, and was adjusted to a ISO Class 1 rating.
May 4, 2015, the Mokena Fire Protection District took delivery of a 2015 Polaris Ranger 6X6 utility vehicle (28-15) equipped with brush firefighting capabilities. Through a competitive grant process, this equipment, at a cost of $19,000, was completely purchased and donated by Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.
May 22, 2015, the District took delivery of a 2015 Spartan (cab & chassis) / Alexis (body) Fire Engine. This Engine replaced the 2000 Seagrave Engine. This engine has a 1000 gallon tank, 450 hp Cummins Motor and an Allison transmission.
On March 21, 2017, the Mokena Fire protection District was re-accredited by the Center for Public Safety Excellence Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) for meeting the criteria established through the CFAI’s voluntary self-assessment and accreditation program.
Mokena Fire Protection District
Fire Chiefs
Herman Schweser 1923 – 1946
Barney Hostert 1946 – 1956
Arthur Hostert 1956 – 1959
Carol Roberts 1959 – 1962
Robert Rust 1962 – 1971
Frederick Rauch 1971 – 1979
Delbert Yunker 1979 – 1991
Ted Golden 1991 – 2012
Howard Stephens 2012 - 2021
Today, the Mokena Fire Protection District (MFPD) employs 32 Full-Time Firefighter/Paramedics, one Fire Marshal, and 2 Full-Time Administrative Assistants. The Mokena Fire Protection District serves portions of Frankfort, Homer Glen, Mokena and Orland Park with a population of approximately 21,000 people over 12 ½ square miles. The MFPD has one ladder truck, three engines, one heavy rescue squad, four Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances, and one brush truck. The MFPD responds to approximately 2,800 calls a year and this number continues to rapidly rise.
| 
