District Approves New Firefighter Hire and Updates Fleet Status
Frankfort Fire Protection District Meeting | December 16, 2025
Article Summary: The Frankfort Fire Protection District approved the hiring of an additional firefighter to balance shift schedules and provided updates on vehicle acquisitions. The department is also preparing a reserve engine for service by early 2026.
Operations and Equipment Key Points:
-
New Hire: One additional firefighter will be hired with a target start date of January 5, 2026.
-
Fleet Expansion: The district has purchased an old ambulance body to be re-chassisized, ensuring a total of six ambulances will be available.
-
Reserve Engine: A reserve engine is being lettered and prepared for training use by the beginning of January 2026.
FRANKFORT — The Frankfort Fire Protection District is bolstering its ranks and its vehicle fleet heading into the new year. On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the Board of Trustees authorized the hiring of one additional firefighter.
Fire Chief Paul Kinsella explained that while three firefighter positions had been previously approved to address injuries, illnesses, and promotions, one more hire was necessary to “level out” the shifts. The hiring has been allotted for in the budget, and the district is currently processing background checks on five candidates. The target date for the new hire is January 5, 2026.
During committee reports, Kinsella noted that two personnel members are currently off duty due to injuries, with potential absences lasting six weeks or more.
The Board also received updates regarding mobile equipment. Firefighter Jason Roney was recognized for his work lettering new engines. The department aims to have a “reserve” engine ready for training new hires by the beginning of January.
Additionally, the district has purchased an old ambulance to utilize its “box” component. The vehicle will receive a new chassis next year to be used as a spare. As a result of these moves, the district will maintain a fleet of six available ambulances.
Meeting Briefs
2026 Meeting Schedule Adjusted:
The Board approved the 2026 meeting dates with one modification. Due to local school spring breaks, the meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2026, was moved to Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Community Outreach and Branding:
Chief Kinsella and Trustee Patricia Field reported on the “Discovery Works” collaboration. The committee has held three meetings and developed four potential logos, with a final vote on the design pending. The campaign emphasizes the slogan “when seconds matter.” Public open houses and seminars are scheduled to begin after the next meeting on January 14, 2026.
Museum and Holiday Events:
Trustees highlighted successful community engagement events, including the “Frankfort Holiday House Walk” and the “Shop with a Hero” event. Station 73 Museum recently received facility upgrades, including new siding on the back and a new front door paid for by the Foundation.
Girl Scout Award:
Battalion Chief Linhart accepted the “Girl Scout Enthusiast Award” on behalf of the department for outstanding support of Girl Scouts in the community. Station 73 recently stepped in to host a Girl Scout caroling event indoors due to freezing weather.
Mostly Clear
Latest News Stories
Lobbyists Outline Strategy for Federal Funding and Grundy County Expansion
Lawsuit investor Burford can upend Sysco’s $50M chicken price settlement
Gas prices projected to rise if Pritzker fails to act on E10 waiver
U.S. LNG exports hit new high as Turkey buys big
Illinois Quick Hits: CTA passenger set on fire in November leaves hospital
House Oversight probes Rep. Ilhan Omar’s husband’s businesses
WATCH: IL Senate GOP proposes SAFE-T Act changes for domestic violence violations
Illinois open-burn bill ignites capitol clash
AMA’s medical education infused with political ideology, Do No Harm says
Los Angeles police chief declines to enforce ICE mask ban
Surge in gas-fired power for data centers, with Texas leading
Entrepreneurs push back as Illinois city proposes new business registry
