The Mokena Fire Protection District is restructuring its top leadership after the Board of Trustees voted to eliminate the Assistant Chief position and create a new Deputy Chief role, effective June 1. At its May 13 meeting, the board also approved a contract extension for Fire Chief Joe Cirelli and a contract for the new deputy chief. The district is also in negotiations with its union to potentially create a Battalion Chief rank.

In a move to improve regional cooperation, the district joined a shared records management system with the New Lenox, Frankfort, Manhattan, and East Joliet fire departments. The intergovernmental agreement was approved unanimously and is expected to enhance data sharing and interoperability during mutual aid calls at no additional cost to Mokena.

The district is also boosting employee benefits, adding $15,000 to its draft budget for firefighter cancer screenings and approving a 2.75% cost-of-living raise for its civilian employees. A hearing on the full budget is set for June, while the pay raise for non-sworn staff takes effect June 1.

Ambulance Remount Nears Completion
The district’s ambulance remount project is nearly finished. Work completed includes exterior graphics, the cab interior, emergency lighting, and installation of a rear camera and bumper. A final inspection of the refurbished vehicle is scheduled for the first week of June.

Apparatus and Station Repairs Update
The district recently completed several significant repairs. Engine 92 is back in service after a $7,400 radiator replacement, and Truck 92 received four new rear tires for $2,800. Ambulance 91 had a faulty parking brake cable replaced for approximately $2,000, and Station 2 underwent a $6,000 replacement of its main backflow and sprinkler system valves.

Ambulances Pass State Inspection
All Mokena Fire Protection District ambulances have passed their annual inspections by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). The EMS division will now proceed with inspections of its non-transport vehicles to ensure compliance with state regulations.

Non-Sworn Healthcare Policy Approved
The board formally approved the district’s healthcare benefits policy for non-sworn employees. According to the meeting agenda, the policy was already in place but has now been officially incorporated into the district’s Lexipol policy management system.

Bills and Finances Approved
Trustees approved the payment of monthly bills totaling $379,854.64. The board also formally accepted the monthly financial statement as presented.