Decatur Fire Department - Illinois

10/14/2026

Decatur Fire Department’s 2nd Battalion was hard at work today conducting roof ventilation training on our training prop!

Roof ventilation is a high-risk operation under fire conditions that requires skill, precision, and teamwork. Regular hands-on training is essential to ensuring our firefighters can perform these operations safely and efficiently when it matters most.

Our members train nearly every day to sharpen their skills, maintain their readiness, and provide the highest level of service to the citizens of Decatur.

10/08/2026

10/01/2026

Fall is here, and it’s a great time to enjoy cooler evenings around a backyard fire with family and friends.

The Decatur Fire Department reminds everyone to celebrate the season responsibly and keep fire safety in mind.

09/30/2026

The Decatur Fire Department is pleased to announce the promotion of Evan Hocking to the rank of Lieutenant!

Lieutenant Hocking is a licensed Paramedic, bringing valuable advanced medical knowledge and experience to the department and the community we serve. He also serves as an instructor with the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute, where he shares his knowledge and experience while helping train and develop firefighters from across the state.

Evan’s dedication to continued learning, training, and leadership will serve him well as he takes on this new role within the Decatur Fire Department.

Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Evan Hocking on his well-earned promotion!

09/25/2026

Head out and support the Local 505!!!

07/02/2026

As we celebrate the holiday, the Decatur Fire Department reminds everyone to enjoy fireworks safely:

◾️ Keep a bucket of water, garden hose, or fire extinguisher readily available when using fireworks.
◾️ Never allow children to handle, ignite, or play with fireworks. Adult supervision is essential at all times.
◾️ Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight a firework that fails to ignite or malfunctions.
◾️ Maintain a safe distance between spectators and the area where fireworks are being used.
◾️ Thoroughly soak all used fireworks in water before placing them in the trash for disposal.
◾️ Leave large aerial displays to trained professionals and attend one of the many public fireworks shows in our area.
◾️ Never use or handle fireworks while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or medications that affect judgment or reaction time.

Please remember that only novelty fireworks are legal within the City of Decatur unless you are trained and have a permit. If it flies, explodes, or leaves the ground, it is not legal per City of Decatur ordinance and state guidelines.

A few simple precautions can prevent injuries, fires, and property damage. Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

07/01/2026

The Decatur Fire Department is proud to announce the promotion of Kyle Gorrell to the rank of Lieutenant!

During his seven years with the department, Kyle has consistently demonstrated professionalism, leadership, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to both the organization and the citizens we serve.

Lieutenant Gorrell has been a member of the department’s Dive Team, HAZMAT Team, and Technical Rescue Team, contributing to many of our specialized response capabilities and operations.

In addition to his service with the Decatur Fire Department, he serves as an instructor with the Illinois Fire Service Institute at the University of Illinois, where he helps educate, train, and mentor firefighters from departments throughout Illinois.

Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Gorrell on this well-earned and deserving promotion!