Frequently Asked Questions, Fire Department, Chicago Ridge, Illinois (IL)

Fire Dept

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calls did the Chicago Ridge Fire Department respond to in 2001?
2,288.

Does the Fire Department have Paramedic service?
Yes; 2 paramedic ambulances and a basic life support unit.

Where are the Fire stations?
Station 1 is at 107th and Lombard Avenue; Station 2 is located at 10258 Southwest Highway.

I see the Chicago Ridge Fire apparatus in other towns, why is that?
The Chicago Ridge firefighter/paramedics respond on initial fire alarms in Chicago Ridge, all of Worth, all of the North Palos Fire Protection Dist. and the West half of Oak Lawn. The Chicago Ridge Fire Department is also a member of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm system and can be called to assist any fire department in the area that calls. This is also, why you see those other towns here. They assist Chicago Ridge on the initial response to our fire calls.

Why do the fire trucks sometimes turn lights off and turn around?
For any reported structure fire, there are numerous pieces of equipment that respond. If fire equipment on the scene does not need additional help, they will cancel the response of other equipment and the other trucks en-route will turn off lights and return to the station.

What are the flashing white lights on top of traffic lights when fire equipment passes?
The fire equipment and ambulances have a traffic control device on each vehicle that can change the traffic signals to green thus providing a safer and expedient response. The flashing white light indicates to responding vehicle that the light will turn green for them. The other lights on top of the other poles give a steady white light to let other equipment that may be responding from another direction know that the signal is controlled by another vehicle.

How long should I keep smoke detectors?
The detectors should be replaced after approximately ten years. Check the manufactures information on this when you purchase. REMEMBER change batteries twice a year when you change your clocks. When replacing detectors, we recommend using 110v with battery back up.

Where should I place smoke detectors?
Minimum of one per floor and outside sleeping areas. In new homes we suggest upgrading to 110v with battery back up interconnected in each bedroom, and in hallways outside bedrooms.

Should I have an escape ladder for my upper floors?
These ladders can be useful in escaping if your primary exit is blocked. Only use them if you cannot escape through the house. These ladders are different than regular ladders and you should become familiar with their use. REMEMBER to have an exit plan drawn up for the entire house and PRACTICE THE PLAN.

Does the Chicago Ridge Fire Department have full-time career personnel and how do I become a full-time fire fighter?
Yes, the Chicago Ridge Fire Department currently has 19 full-time personnel that work 24 hours on and 48 hours off with the Chief working Monday through Friday. The hiring process consists of a prerequisite of being a Illinois state certified Paramedic. When the department needs to provide a list to hire an ad is placed in the paper and applications are taken. The test consists of a written exam, physical ability test, and oral interview. Once called, the applicant shall pass a polygraph, psychological, medical exam, and background check. Once hired the probationary member is required to attend a state certified fire academy and pass state certification.

If you have any further questions, please call Fire Chief Randall Grossi at (708) 857-4456 or Fire Marshal Dave Bricker at (708) 514-0045.

Village of Chicago Ridge
10455 S. Ridgeland Avenue
Chicago Ridge, Illinois 60415
(708) 425-7700

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