The Mokena Fire Protection District is increasing its focus on employee health and welfare, adding $15,000 to its upcoming budget for firefighter cancer screenings and approving a cost-of-living pay increase for its civilian staff.

During the May 13 board meeting, Fire Chief Joe Cirelli announced he had amended the draft budget for the next fiscal year to include the new health and safety line item. The dedicated funding for cancer screenings addresses growing concerns nationwide about the higher cancer rates among firefighters due to occupational exposure to carcinogens. The full budget and appropriations ordinance is scheduled for a public hearing at the district’s June meeting. Trustee Robert Hennessy praised the budget document, stating that Chief Cirelli “did a great job.”

In a separate action, the board unanimously approved a 2.75% cost-of-living adjustment for the district’s non-sworn employees. The raise, effective June 1, 2025, aligns the civilian salary schedule with increases provided in the firefighters’ collective bargaining agreement and the Chief’s contract. The board approved the updated schedule without questions.