Meeting Summary and Briefs: Mokena Fire Protection District Board of Trustees for July 8, 2025
The Mokena Fire Protection District is advancing its technological capabilities, with the Board of Trustees approving the purchase of a $26,025 station alerting system for Station 2. At its July 8 meeting, the board also heard plans from Fire Chief Joe Cirelli to begin a multi-year upgrade of the district’s Knox Box security system, transitioning from failing 1990s-era keypads to a modern eKey platform. You can read more about these upgrades in our full story.
In personnel matters, the board appointed Chris Surdel as a Fire Commissioner and increased the hours of an office coordinator to full-time to handle the administrative workload. For more on these changes, see our detailed report. The board also approved monthly bills totaling $194,081.75 and heard updates on vehicle maintenance and July 4th operations.
Ambulance Remount Project Nears Completion
The district’s ambulance remount project is in its final stages, according to Deputy Chief Rick Campbell. The fabrication of interior trim pieces and programming for interior LED lights were expected to be completed this week. A final inspection will follow, and the district hopes to have the ambulance inspected and approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health sometime in August.
July 4th Festivities Deemed a Success
The fire district participated in a successful unified command for the July 4th holiday festivities, working alongside the Mokena Police Department, the Village of Mokena, the Emergency Services Disaster Agency, and the Park District. The district responded to one EMS call during the parade. Chandler Services also debuted the fire district’s new ambulance in the parade for the community to see.
Police and Firefighters to Face Off in Softball Game
Mokena’s police officers and firefighters will play a softball game on Saturday, July 12th. The community event will take place prior to the Lion’s Club Firecracker Dance.
Staff Training Approved
The board approved several professional development opportunities for its staff. Adam Meyer was approved for three courses: Aerial Fire Apparatus EVT Prep, Rope Rescue Tech, and Watercraft Tech. Chris Buchan was approved for a Watercraft Tech course, and Rebecca Duffy will attend a Fire & Life Safety Educator I course.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Lawmaker calls for department reform supporting Illinois families with disabled children
Lawyers’ ‘misleading statements’ hang cloud over college finaid class action
Ceasefire impact holds across markets despite varying reports on the Strait of Hormuz
SEC chairman returns ”first principles’ to public markets, supports Texas exchange
Complaint filed against AMA Foundation for racially discriminatory scholarships
Democrats vow to hold Bondi in contempt for refusing Epstein deposition
Commonwealth LNG signs supply deals with five major buyers
Lawmakers hear debate over data centers including revenue, headaches
Illinois quick hits: Madigan corruption appeal to begin Thursday; Attorney General asks lawmakers for additional $15 million;
Deficit watchdog urges Congress to cut more, spend less than Trump’s budget request
Lawmaker pushes sales tax pause on gas as questions cloud ‘fragile’ ceasefire
Groups warn Middle East truce may not ease economic fallout
