mokena fire protection district logo graphic.5

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.

Events

No events

Latest News Stories

Report: Human Rights Campaign pressures transgender procedures on minors

Report: Human Rights Campaign pressures transgender procedures on minors

By Tate MillerThe Center Square (By Tate Miller) – The Human Rights Campaign pressures children’s hospitals into performing transgender procedures on minors, according to a Do No Harm report. Do...
Everyday Economics: Housing market and Fed policy in focus in the week ahead

Everyday Economics: Housing market and Fed policy in focus in the week ahead

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square This week brings crucial updates on America's housing market struggles and hints about where interest rates might head next. Housing Data Dump Several major housing...
mokena fire protection district logo graphic.4

Mokena Fire Board Appoints Surdel as Commissioner, Increases Office Coordinator Hours

Article Summary: The Mokena Fire Protection District Board of Trustees appointed Chris Surdel as a Fire Commissioner and approved increasing the hours for an office coordinator to full-time. The personnel...
Businesses brace for new tax challenges amid global tariff focus

Businesses brace for new tax challenges amid global tariff focus

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square U.S. businesses and their partners across the globe are looking to make sure they comply with the highest import duties in decades amid a worldwide...
Illinois takes over health insurance marketplace in 2026 amid skepticism

Illinois takes over health insurance marketplace in 2026 amid skepticism

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois will fully take over operation of its health insurance marketplace in 2026, moving away from...
WATCH: IL state reps challenge IEMA-OHS responses to local agencies

WATCH: IL state reps challenge IEMA-OHS responses to local agencies

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security officials are promising to be more responsive to...
Judge expands restraining order against 'Beto' O’Rourke, adds ActBlue

Judge expands restraining order against ‘Beto’ O’Rourke, adds ActBlue

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square A judge has expanded a temporary restraining order against former U.S. Rep. Robert (Beto) O’Rourke and his organization, Powered by People, as well as ActBlue...
mokena fire protection district logo graphic.5

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...
Reversing Biden’s precedent, students complete FAFSA in minutes at beta-testing event

Reversing Biden’s precedent, students complete FAFSA in minutes at beta-testing event

By Tate MillerThe Center Square President Donald Trump’s Department of Education is working to restore the student aid FAFSA form after the Biden administration made what should be a couple-minute...
Trump, Zelenskyy to meet Monday in steps toward peace with Russia

Trump, Zelenskyy to meet Monday in steps toward peace with Russia

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Following a “successful” meeting in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump said he is going straight for a “peace agreement” in a...
Possible 'agreement' reached in Trump-Putin meeting; more discussion likely

Possible ‘agreement’ reached in Trump-Putin meeting; more discussion likely

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square It appears an “agreement” was reached in the Friday meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and American President Donald Trump, but the nature of that...
WATCH: Gun rights supporters celebrate 9th Circuit’s ruling against CA gun rationing law

WATCH: Gun rights supporters celebrate 9th Circuit’s ruling against CA gun rationing law

By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square Gun rights supporters are celebrating what they call a significant victory after the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a mandate on Thursday overturning California’s...
Feds sue California over emission standards for trucks

Feds sue California over emission standards for trucks

By Jamie ParsonsThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Justice is suing California to stop what it calls “unlawful” emission standards for heavy-duty trucks. The California Air Resources Board is...
Illinois quick hits: 'Lawsuit inferno' bill takes effect after Pritzker signed 267 measures Friday

Illinois quick hits: ‘Lawsuit inferno’ bill takes effect after Pritzker signed 267 measures Friday

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square 'Lawsuit inferno' bill takes effect Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation which led the American Tort Reform Association to label Illinois...
WATCH: UW-authored study on surgery times contradicts CMS basis for reimbursement cuts

WATCH: UW-authored study on surgery times contradicts CMS basis for reimbursement cuts

By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square New findings published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons contradict the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, claim that surgery...