Mokena Fire District to End Response Protocol for I-80 East of Route 45

Mokena Fire Protection District Meeting | October 14, 2025

Article Summary: Effective January 1st, the Mokena Fire Protection District will no longer respond to incidents on Interstate 80 east of Route 45, a change that follows extensive research determining the area falls under the jurisdiction of the Tinley Park Fire Department. The district will continue to assist Tinley Park when requested and maintain its joint response agreement with New Lenox for areas west of Route 45.

I-80 Response Change Key Points:

• The change in the Mokena FPD’s response area is effective January 1st.

• The district determined it is not the primary agency for Interstate 80 east of Route 45.

• Will County ETSB, the County Clerk, and the district’s attorney all agree with the finding.

• The district will continue responding jointly with New Lenox to incidents on I-80 west of Route 45.

MOKENA, IL – The Mokena Fire Protection District board on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, learned of a significant change in its emergency response area, as the district will cease automatic responses to a section of Interstate 80 at the start of the new year.

Fire Chief Joe Cirelli reported that after extensive research, it has been determined that the Tinley Park Fire Department is the responsible agency for incidents on I-80 east of Route 45.

“Will County ETSB, the County Clerk, and our attorney all agree that MFPD is not responsible for responding to this area,” Cirelli’s report stated. “As such, effective January 1st, we will no longer respond to Interstate 80 east of Route 45.”

The district will, however, continue to assist the Tinley Park Fire Department in that area when specifically requested. This operational change does not affect the district’s other interstate responsibilities. Mokena FPD will continue its joint response protocol with the New Lenox Fire Protection District for incidents occurring on Interstate 80 west of Route 45.