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 Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Frankfort 157-C Implements New Plan to Combat Chronic Student Absenteeism
Speed Limits Lowered in Green Garden and Frankfort Neighborhoods
Engineering Firm Hired for Gougar Road Bridge Replacement
Unpermitted Log Cabin and Stage Prompt Rezoning in Beecher
Frankfort Park District to Renegotiate Crystal Brook Park Agreement
Federal court blocks Trump from dismantling four agencies
State reps: Pritzker turns ‘blind eye’ to Chicago’s public safety crisis
Illinois quick hits: Medicaid coverage for parental home visits; ‘Trouble in Toyland’ report
Potential data center in Illinois village raises local concerns
New Lenox to Host Large Pollinator-Friendly Solar Farm
Hunter Prairie Park Redevelopment Nears Completion with New Amenities
JJC Receives Clean Audit, Reports $21.6 Million Increase in Net Position
