Mokena Fire District Hiring, Deploys Drone to Assist Frankfort in Crisis

Mokena Fire Protection District Meeting | August 2025

Article Summary: The Mokena Fire Protection District is in the process of hiring a new firefighter/paramedic after receiving 11 applications for a vacant position. Chief Joe Cirelli also reported on recent drone deployments, including one to assist the Frankfort Police Department, and an upcoming health screening initiative for personnel and their families.

Mokena Fire District Report Key Points:

• The district is reviewing 11 applications to fill one vacant firefighter/paramedic position.

• The department’s drone was deployed twice recently: once for a pedestrian struck by a train in Mokena and once in Frankfort for a mental health crisis.

• Cancer and cardiovascular screenings will be offered to firefighters, retirees, and spouses at the end of August to promote early detection.

The Mokena Fire Protection District is working to fill a vacant firefighter/paramedic position and continuing to utilize modern technology to respond to emergencies, Fire Chief Joe Cirelli reported on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

Cirelli informed the Board of Trustees that the application period for the open position closed on July 31, yielding 11 candidates. The district is now moving forward with the hiring process to bring its staffing to full strength.

The chief also highlighted the value of the department’s drone, which was deployed twice in the past month. One deployment occurred within the district during an incident involving a pedestrian struck by a train. The second deployment was an inter-agency assist to Frankfort to help with a mental health crisis, demonstrating the equipment’s versatility.

In a move to support the long-term health of its members, Cirelli announced that cancer and cardiovascular screenings have been scheduled for the end of August. He described the screenings as “an important initiative towards early detection.” The voluntary program has been opened to spouses and retirees on a self-pay basis, with trustees also invited to participate for a fee of $335 each.