Mokena Fire District Invests in Station Upgrades, Modernizes Security with Digital Key System

Article Summary: The Mokena Fire Protection District is undertaking significant technology and infrastructure upgrades, approving a new $26,025 station alerting system for Station 2 and initiating a multi-year plan to replace its aging Knox Box security system with a modern eKey platform. The board also addressed a series of vehicle repairs and station maintenance projects during its July 8 meeting.

Mokena Fire District Upgrades Key Points:

• A new USDD Fire Station Alerting system was ordered for Station 2 at a cost of $26,025, funded through the Lincolnway Area Fire Dispatch group.

• Chief Joe Cirelli announced a multi-year plan to upgrade the district’s 1990s-era Knox Boxes to a more secure eKey system.

• Numerous vehicle and station repairs were reported, including a new $4,350 entry door for Station 2.

• The Board of Trustees approved the payment of monthly bills totaling $194,081.75.

MOKENA — The Mokena Fire Protection District is investing in modernizing its equipment and facilities, ordering a new station alerting system and planning a district-wide security upgrade to replace its decades-old physical key system.

During the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, Fire Chief Joe Cirelli announced the district has ordered a new USDD Fire Station Alerting system for Station 2 at a cost of $26,025. The purchase was funded using alarm monitor funds from the Lincolnway Area Fire Dispatch group. Cirelli explained the upgrade was necessary as the current “USDD Lite” version is being discontinued.

In addition to the alerting system, Cirelli detailed plans for a multi-year program to upgrade the district’s Knox Box Keysecure devices. These secure boxes provide firefighters with emergency access to buildings.

“Our current devices were purchased in the early 90’s, and the keypads have been failing,” Cirelli’s report stated. The district plans to use remaining funds to begin purchasing replacement devices and will swap out traditional key-based systems for a more modern and secure eKey system over several years.

The board also heard updates on numerous maintenance projects and repairs from Deputy Chief Rick Campbell. The north bay steel entry door and frame at Station 2 were replaced by Preferred Window and Door at a cost of $4,350.

Several vehicles also required service. Pomp’s Tire replaced both steer tires on Engine 91 and Ambulance 93 for approximately $3,142. Ambulance 92 was temporarily out of service for a faulty transmission shift cable, which was replaced by Chandler Services for about $1,030. Chandler Services is also performing diagnostic tests on Truck 92 to determine the cause of coolant consumption and is evaluating corrosion on the vehicle for potential repairs.

The board unanimously approved the payment of monthly bills totaling $194,081.75, which covered these and other operational expenses.