Calumet City Professional Firefighters Local 621

11/08/2026

Yesterday, Calumet City Fire Department Captain Ryan Hornback brought home the win against Orland Central Dispatch in the hot wing eating competition!

It was a great turnout, with members from both departments, friends, and family coming together to support a great cause.

We want to thank all the sponsors, everyone who donated gift baskets, and those who gave their time to help set up and clean up. A special thank you to Marisa Peterson for helping coordinate everything on the Calumet City side and for setting up and running our Project Fire Buddies merchandise table. Your hard work did not go unnoticed!

And to our friends at Orland Central Dispatch, better luck next year! Maybe next time you’ll be able to take down our beloved Captain Hornback, but this year, the win belongs to Calumet City!

Thank you again to everyone who came out and supported Project Fire Buddies!

$$$We were able to donate $4360.$$$

Project Fire Buddies
Orland Fire Protection District, IL

11/02/2026

The big day is almost here!

All year long, members of IAFF Local 621 have been working hard to raise money to purchase 200 brand new winter coats for kids in our community.

We’ve been working with schools and school districts throughout Calumet City to make sure these coats get to the kids who need them most.

Today, our members picked up boxes full of coats from our local Calumet City Sam’s Club, and we couldn’t be more excited!

This project started as a simple idea, and seeing it all come together means a lot to us. Next week, we finally get to put some smiles on these kids’ faces and help keep them warm this winter.

We’re proud to serve Calumet City, both on and off duty. Our community is our home, and taking care of our kids is something we truly care about.

Next week can’t come soon enough!

Sam's Club
International Association of Fire Fighters
The City of Calumet City
Calumet City Fire Department

10/04/2026

Today, the Calumet City Fire Department had the honor of hosting our annual Retirement Awards Ceremony, a tradition that recognizes the men and women who have dedicated their careers to serving our residents and protecting our community.

As a small token of our appreciation, each retiree receives a traditional gift representing their rank and years of service. Firefighters receive a pickhead axe, Engineers receive a street pipe, Lieutenants receive a silver bugle, and Captains receive a gold bugle. While these gifts may seem simple, they represent a lifetime of sacrifice, dedication, brotherhood, and service.

Unfortunately, this tradition was put on hold following the COVID-19 pandemic, and we fell behind in recognizing our retirees. Today, we were proud to bring it back and look forward to making it an annual celebration once again.

One of the greatest parts of today was seeing so many familiar faces return to the firehouse. Listening to stories from years past, sharing a few laughs, and remembering the calls, friendships, and experiences that shaped our department reminded us of what makes the fire service so special. The faces may change, and the years may pass, but the brotherhood and the memories will always remain.

We would like to extend a special thank-you to the retirees who helped organize today’s ceremony and made this celebration possible.

To all our newly recognized retirees, congratulations on a well-deserved retirement. Your years of service have left a lasting mark on this department and the community you proudly served. We wish you many years of good health, happiness, and time with your loved ones as you begin this next chapter of your lives.

You may have retired from the job, but you will always be part of the Calumet City Fire Department family.

10/03/2026

Time is running out! Don’t miss your chance to get your IAFF Local 621 Breast Cancer Awareness T-shirt!

Tomorrow, Sunday, October 4, is the last day to place your order! The online store will officially close at midnight.

Help us support a great cause and show your support for everyone affected by breast cancer. Every shirt helps spread awareness and reminds those fighting that they are not alone.

Get your orders in before it’s too late! Click the link below to purchase your shirt.

10/03/2026

09/28/2026

The Calumet City Fire Department would like to congratulate Fire Chief Glenn Bachert as he prepares to retire after an incredible career of service to our department and the residents of Calumet City.

Chief Bachert has dedicated his career to protecting this community and leading the men and women of our department. His commitment to public safety, his firefighters, and the residents we serve has left a lasting impact on the Calumet City Fire Department.

Throughout his career, Chief Bachert led by example and never forgot where he came from. Whether leading the department or responding alongside his crews, he remained committed to serving Calumet City with pride and dedication.

We invite our residents, friends, and community partners to join us on October 13 at 5:00 PM as we recognize Chief Bachert and thank him for his many years of dedicated service.

Congratulations, Chief Bachert, and thank you for everything you have given to the Calumet City Fire Department and our community.

09/27/2026

Today at CCFD, we spent our Sunday making gravy from scratch with homemade gnocchi. It was a long process, and there were definitely a few moments when we wondered what we got ourselves into.

But by the time everything came together, we realized it was about much more than the meal.

We spent the day working together, laughing, learning, and enjoying something we made from start to finish.

In the firehouse, some of the best memories are made around the kitchen table with the people you serve beside every day.

That’s what Sundays at the firehouse are all about.

We hope everyone had a great weekend and has a safe week ahead.

09/25/2026

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor those who have fought breast cancer, remember those we have lost, and support those who are still fighting.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month began in 1985 as a campaign focused on educating people about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. Over time, it grew into the month-long campaign recognized every October today.

The pink ribbon became a symbol of breast cancer awareness in the early 1990s. In 1991, pink ribbons were handed out at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in New York City. The following year, the pink ribbon became even more widely recognized across the country. Since then, pink has become a worldwide symbol of hope, support, and awareness for those affected by breast cancer.

This October, IAFF Local 621 is proud to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month by selling our own breast cancer awareness T-shirts. Wearing pink is a simple way for our members, families, and community to stand together and show support for everyone whose life has been touched by breast cancer.

Check out this year’s design and let us know what you think!

The online store will close Sunday, October 4 at midnight.

Click the attached link below to place your order before the store closes.

https://calcitypink.itemorder.com/shop/home/

National Breast Cancer Foundation
The City of Calumet City