History
Duty - Pride - Tradition since 1885
February 4, 1885
The village purchases a hand-operated fire engine that the fireman pulled to the fire, then looked for volunteers to pump it while they fought the blaze. The initial outlay of cash to get started in the fire department business was $306 for the fire engine with 100 feet of hose, ladders, hooks, poles and buckets, plus $52 for a man-drawn hose cart. Later in the year, after having fought a fire after dark, three fire lanterns were purchased so the men could find their way in the dark without falling over backyard clutter.
1885
To accommodate the new vehicle, the council had an engine room built onto the calaboose, with double door for quick exists. The engine room also doubled as a room for the town meetings.
Mr. H.J. McDonald, the village clerk, was appointed the first fire marshal of Frankfort.
The only source of water then was from a well, cistern, or nearby creek. The town decided to solve this problem by constructing six cisterns within the town limits with wood troughs to carry run-off rain water into them. This gave the fire department a dedicated water source.
1886
A cupola is built atop the calaboose building with the intent of adding a bell to alert firefighters.
1887
One hundred feet of fire hose plus pull-down hooks, crowbars, two extra couplings and rubber rain coats were purchased to continue the operation. After several men came home from fires wet and cold, their wives made sure that raincoats were on the list of items to purchase.
1888
The H. J. McDonald grain elevator burnt to the ground while the volunteer fire department had to just stand and watch it. There was not enough water to fight the fire. The fire started early one evening and burned uncontrolled till the next day when the Joliet Fire Department sent a steam powered fire engine by railroad flat car to help keep the fire from spreading.
April 16, 1890
H. J. McDonald after serving for five years as our first fire chief retired and M. E. Eichenburg assumed the responsibility for the next five years.
1890
An old school bell was acquired at a cost of $30.50 and placed in the empty cupola. The bell helped alert the towns firefighters of a fire.
July 1894
A Fire and Water committee visited Grant Park, IL to assess that towns modern firefighting system. The committee would use what they learned to plan the Frankfort waterworks.
1894
Work was begun on the village’s first water system. a wooden water tank holding 1,300 barrels of water mounted on top of a fifty-foot steel tower and located on the highest elevation in town. Other necessary items for the complete installation were: 1,126 feet of six-inch pipe, 2,080 feet of four-inch pipe, ten Kankakee double hydrants, 400 feet of two-inch rubber hose with all connections and extras. All pipes were to be laid five feet below the surface of the ground to prevent from freezing.
The Fairbanks Morse and Company was awarded a contract on their bid of $4, 150 to build the steel and wooden water tank along with an internal combustion engine for the pump to fill it.
July 1895
Work was completed on a new village hall, calaboose, and fire station. This coincided with the completion of the waterworks, which included 10 new fire hydrants.
1897-1906 Village Records are incomplete
1909
Fire prevention in the home became the job of volunteers in 1909 as all chimneys in the village were inspected and ordered repaired if necessary. As the town grew, the need for fire protection increased.
1916
The village board signed a contract with the Chicago Bridge and Iron Works for a new and larger all steel tank and tower with additional hydrants to serve the growing community. This construction was completed at a cost of $4,950. This tank holds 100,000 gallons of water and still stands today.
1923
The first gasoline powered fire truck, a model “T” Ford with American LaFrance and a foamite fire tank, was purchased for $2,505 and can be seen today at village parades and special events.
1933
A new Village Hall with a jail and 2 bay fire station is constructed on Kansas Street. The Fire Department would be housed here until 1965.
October 1937
The Volunteer Fire Department separated from the village and became a separate and independent organization. Henry Luhring was the first chief of the new organization, elected to the post by the members. The organization would be supported with subscriptions and fundraisers.
1938
A new American LaFrance was purchased for $3,500. $25 fire protection fees were assessed to area farmers within 6-8 miles of the village. The Engine has a 500 gallon per minute pump capacity.
1945
Fred Kohlhogen becomes Fire Chief
1945
A 500 gallon pumper is purchased.
1958
The Department takes possession of a FMC fire pumper with 70 gallon high-pressure pump, along with a 500 gallon tank.
June 11, 1960
A referendum passes establishing the Frankfort Fire Protection District. The District covers an area of approximately 36 square miles. The initial tax rate is .125 per $100 of estimated assessed valuation. The initial trustees are Herbert Lambrecht, Harold Sheer, and Albert Swatek.
March 30, 1963
A bond referendum passes to fund a new fire station to be located at 105 W. Nebraska St.
1965
The new station located at 105 W. Nebraska St. opens.
April 1965
A delivery is taken of a new FMC pumper with a 500 gallon tank.
May 1966
Lynn Kolhogen becomes Fire Chief
May 25, 1966
Wednesday May 25, 1966 started out as a gorgeous spring day, with a forecasted high in the 80s. Then at 7:05 am as employees were reporting to work at the S&S Sink Top Company, an explosion rocked the facility. The facility manufactured synthetic sink tops made from plastics and resins. The 4-year-old facility, which was 2 miles South of town on US 45, consisted of 3 buildings under one common roof. The ¼ acre facility was constructed with masonry brick and cement block. The explosion buried 10 cars under rubble in the parking lot. 8 Employees were injured and all were transported to Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet. Several secondary explosions occurred due to 55-gallon containers of paint and lacquers bursting. These materials fed the fire and increased it in intensity. The fire damages were estimated to be at least $350,000. The fire took 75 firefighters from 7 fire departments to extinguish. In addition to the fuel load feeding the fire, extinguishment was further hampered by the absence of fire hydrants in the area.
January 1970
Bruce Wells becomes Fire Chief
June8, 1971
The first Fire Protection Code based on the 1970 edition of the American Insurance Association is adopted by the District.
March 18, 1974
The Foreign Fire Tax is established. This is a 2% tax on fire insurance policies sold by foreign (out of state) insurance companies for properties in the District, with the funds being used for the maintenance, use, and benefit of the Department, as set forth in state law.
April 14, 1974
Easter Sunday April 14, 1974. Approximately 01:40 hours the District received a report of a fire at Mobil Chemical, located at 437 Center Rd. The first members arrived on location at 01:44 and found a fire at the center of one of the warehouses. 35 members battled the blaze until approximately 10:00. While 2 of the warehouses were lost to the fire, the rest of the facility was saved. The cause of the fire was undetermined, however the large amount of Styrofoam product in the warehouses caused the fire to grow extremely large. The Fire caused $1,200,000 in damages to the facility, along with $400,000 in lost contents. The multiple alarm fire brought in assistance from Chicago Heights, East Joliet, Homer Township, Matteson, Mokena, Manhattan, Mobil Refinery, New Lenox, Orland Park, Park Forest, Tinley Park, Steger Estates, and Wilmington.
October 1975
A Contract is awarded to Modern Builders of Joliet to construct station 2 located at St. Francis Road and Graceland Lane.
May 1976
Station 2 opens. It initially houses a pumper and a rescue van.
August 7, 1976
A special election is held for the first elected Board of Trustees for the District. They were appointed by the County Board up until this time.
January 1977
Don Lorenz becomes Fire Chief
July 7, 1982
At 03:43 hours, a fire was reported at the La Posada Cafe located at the corner of Harlem Ave. and Lincoln Hwy. Heavy smoke conditions were encountered as companies arrived on the scene. Firefighters were forced to abandon offensive operations due to the extreme heat encountered once inside. The building had recently been remodeled and was covered in stucco which helped contain the heat. A fourth alarm was called to help battle the blaze. The fire caused extensive structural damage to the building. A backhoe was called in to knock down part of the building to expose fire still in void spaces. This fire was suspicious as it was noted that the rear door was open upon arrival and a container of gasoline was found in the bar area.
August 1982
Milt Batson becomes Fire Chief
January 21, 1983
A possible fire was reported at a house on the corner of Woodvale and 80th Ave in Lincoln Estates. While responding to the scene to assist, New Lenox Fire Tanker 106 was struck while going Eastbound through the intersection of Lincoln Hwy. and Lagrange Rd. The accident resulted in 4 injuries and the death of New Lenox Fire Fighter Ken Sobbe, who was 19 at the time. This incident resulted in the cessation of firefighters riding on tailboards in the region.
July 10, 1983
The new Headquarters located at 333 W. Nebraska St. officially opens. This location replaces the station located at 105 W. Nebraska St.
October 1983
A Renovation is begun on station 2. The project includes adding a fourth apparatus bay on the North end and adding a pitched roof over the flat roof that was prone to leaking.
September 1984
John Herder becomes Fire Chief
May 15, 1984
Ordinance 59 eliminates the three-member Board of Trustees and replaces it with the current five-member format.
October 22, 1984
A neighbor of the Grainery Shopping mall reported a fire behind the mall at 00:46 hours. The 33-unit mall, which was the signature Frankfort landmark at the time, would be heavily damaged by the fire. The fire was suspected to be caused by an electrical malfunction, and resulted in $350,000 in estimated damages. 6 firefighters suffered injuries from sprains, strains, and smoke inhalation.
November 4, 1984
A referendum is passed establishing the Frankfort Fire Ambulance District, along with an authorization for bonds in the amount of $290,000 for the purpose of providing Emergency Medical Services.
February 4, 1985
The Department/District celebrates its centennial anniversary. A reenactment would be held during a Village board meeting to commemorate the event.
April 23, 1985
The Grainery Shopping Center that had been undergoing repairs from the fire that occurred in October 1984 experienced another fire. The facility was set to reopen on June 1, 1985, however this second fire caused much more extensive damage and resulted in the facility never being repaired. A third alarm was required to help extinguish the blaze.
May 30, 1985
The District enters into its first contract with Kurtz Ambulance Service to provide Advanced Life Support EMS. (Paramedics).
June 1985
Larry Nice Sr. becomes Fire Chief.
December 14, 1985
The SACO industries fire. The low temperature on Saturday December 14, 1985 was -3*F. In this extreme cold at 04:50 hours the District received a report of a structure fire at 325 South Route 45. This was the Saco Industries cabinet factory. The frigid temperatures and the fact that there was a single fire hydrant made battling this fire all the more difficult. Due to the large amount of fire and the lack of water, fire tenders were called in. The cold weather caused gauges and pumps to freeze. Despite portable heaters being brought to the scene, apparatus had to be rotated to the station to thaw out. At its peak the smoke could be seen in Blue Island, IL which is 20 miles away. A total of 13 departments and 100 firefighters were involved with the incident at some point. Crews ended up setting streams in defensive positions in an attempt to flood the facility. Operations lasted approximately 20 hours. Aid was received from Mokena, Manhattan, New Lenox, Tinley Park, East Joliet, Elwood, Homer Township, Wilmington, Peotone, Monee, Beecher, and Crete Township.
July 1987
James Grady III becomes Fire Chief
December 14, 1987
At 03:46 hours a fire was reported at the Alpine Restaurant located at 34 W. Nebraska St. The fire caused extensive damage, and resulted in the building being torn down. The Restaurant was operated by Chef Klaus, who would later open Die Bier Stube at Oak and Kansas St.
February 26, 1990
James Grady III becomes the first Full-time Fire Chief
August 20, 1990
The District provided assistance for the Plainfield tornado that occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, August 28, 1990. The violent tornado killed 29 people and injured 353. It is the only F5/EF5 rated tornado ever recorded in August in the United States, and the only F5 tornado to strike the Chicago area.
April 1992
Assisted the Chicago Fire Department with pumps during the Great Flood.
December 30, 1992
At 06:26 hours the District was notified of a structure fire at 10 W. Kansas St. This was the Tavern on the Green. The building has been a tavern since 1868, and was the oldest continually operating tavern in Will County at the time of the fire. The first arriving company reported a working fire with heavy smoke and fire from the rear East side. The alarm was escalated to a Still and Box alarm. The fire took 5 hours to extinguish and caused an estimated $350,000 in damages to the building.
September 6, 1993
The village was enjoying a beautiful Labor Day along with the annual Fall Festival when at 15:54 dispatch was notified of a fire at the Mobil Chemical plant located at 437 Center Rd. Facility staff witnessed sparks fall from a malfunctioning electrical fixture and ignite product that was being stored. Due to the extreme fire load of Styrofoam products, the fire increased in size extremely quickly. The alarm was raised to a 4-11. It took assistance from 20 fire departments to extinguish the fire within 90 minutes. The extremely dark smoke could be seen for miles. The fire completely destroyed 2 warehouses. Damage was estimated at $1.5 million dollars.
April 24, 1994
At 14:15 hours an alarm is received for a possible structure fire in the 8200 block of Stunkel Rd. Open burning on a windy day resulted in the fire spreading to the residence. As firefighters were finishing up suppression operations, the second story portion of a brick chimney suddenly collapsed. Debris from the chimney covered 2 members of the New Lenox Fire District. Lt. Rantz Bally was permanently disabled as a result of the accident.
May 8, 1997
Provided mutual aid to Bourbonnais Illinois to help rescue workers overcome by fumes in tank at the Bunge Foods facility.
July 18, 1997
A F1 tornado was observed along a 2-mile path in a northwest to southeast track from about I-80 at 104th Avenue across 191st Street, across Rt 45 into the Arbury Hills Subdivision east of Mokena. The greatest damage occurred on I-80; where a semi was blown off the road and two people were injured in the truck. Just south of I-80, a horse barn was destroyed and another lifted off of the ground. Extensive damage was observed at an RV dealership on 191st street where a 7000 lb. trailer was lifted off of the ground and piled atop two other trailers. Also, along one block of Catalpa Street in the Arbury Hill Subdivision where two houses sustained enough roof damage to be declared inhabitable. There was also extensive tree damage in the subdivision. The storm injured 2 people. A Disaster box was activated and 36 agencies provided assistance.
April 30, 1997
Illinois State Trooper Erin Marie Hehl was killed along with a civilian pilot at the Frankfort Airport. The State Police Helicopter known as Air One got stuck in the mud while practicing touch and go landings, this resulted in the helicopter flipping over and catching fire.
October 20,1998
The Yunker Farm implement building at 24420 Lagrange Rd. is purchased by the District as a combined training facility for Frankfort, Mokena and the New Lenox Fire Districts. It will be remodeled to house firefighters as a station as well as a training facility.
March 15, 1999
Provided mutual aid to Bourbonnais Illinois for the train derailment. The Amtrak City of New Orleans struck a flat bead tractor trailer and derailed. There were 126 individuals injured along with 12 fatalities.
August 20. 1999
A fire alarm was received from Tenneco Packaging located at 437 Center Road. The first arriving company encountered a fire and heavy smoke conditions. A still and box alarm were requested. Several pallets of polystyrene had been involved in the fire. The fire caused $500,000 in damages.
August 8, 2001
At 16:29 a fire was reported at one of Frankfort’s signature restaurants, Chef Klaus’ Die Bier Stube. AC Wilson was the first unit on scene and reported a working fire with heavy fire coming from a second-floor apartment window. The fire was escalated eventually to the third alarm. Mutual aid was received from 31 fire departments for the event. 2 firefighters suffered heat exhaustion and a third suffered an electrical shock. Smoke and water also damaged the adjacent Aurilio’s Pizzeria. The fire caused an estimated $2.5 million dollars, and resulted in the permanent relocation of both restaurants.
June 2002
The board of Fire Commissioners is established. The first commissioners are Carol Ekdahl, Donna Vegter, and Kelly Hayden
September 4, 2002
The District hires it’s first 9 Full-time firefighters.
Station 3 opens. It is initially staffed with 2 firefighters per day.
January 6, 2004
Frankfort Firefighters Local #4338 is chartered with the International Association of Fire Fighters.
April 20, 2004
Provided mutual aid to Utica Illinois following a F3 tornado that killed 8 individuals and injured 21.
July 13, 2004
Provided mutual aid to Roanoke, IL. A violent tornado tracked for 9.6 miles across Woodford County, with the tornado reaching F4 intensity along a 1-mile stretch between Metamora and Roanoke. . Approximately 140 people were in the plant at the time.
September 2005
Following the extreme devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, Illinois MABAS was contacted to provide mutual aid to the region. More than 900 firefighters and 200 pieces of fire apparatus were sent to Louisiana through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System. FF Kevin Stanford was deployed as the lone member of Frankfort to provide assistance.
October 8, 2007
Provided mutual aid to the Chicago Fire Department with ambulances for the Chicago Marathon. 88-degree heat caused hundreds of participants to be overcome by the extreme conditions.
September 2008
Following the successful MABAS deployment to Louisiana in 2005 for Hurricane Katrina, the State of Louisiana once gain asked for assistance with the expected landfall of Hurricane Gustav. 2 members along with squad 716 were deployed as part of the MABAS task force. While on deployment assisting in East Feliciana Parrish, a second stronger storm made landfall. Hurricane Ike made landfall between Louisiana and Texas. This extended the deployment timeline, and resulted in several relocations before demobilization following 15 days in the field.
August 2009
Station 5 opens at 21901 Wolf Rd. This is the fourth station to be built, but is numbered 5. This is due to development delays at the station #4 site.
June 2010
Station 4 opens at 7990 W. Steger Rd. It is nearly identical to the recently opened Station 5. The station was initially further along in the planning stages, until a delay surfaced during finalization.
June 1, 2016
Bob Wilson becomes Fire Chief
June 2019
2 members are deployed to Hardin Illinois as part of a MABAS statewide response. They assisted the severely flooded region by manning watercraft and performing water-based rescues, along with assisting with fire and EMS duties.