Evanston Fire Department

Started this morning out at Station 2 with a visit from mom and her two sons who are future firefighters. Thanks for visiting with us!

Evanston Fire Department paramedics sharpened critical life-saving skills through training in airway and trauma management. Crews practiced needle decompression for life-threatening chest injuries, surgical cricothyrotomy for emergency airway access when traditional methods fail, and advanced airway management using the SALAD (Suction-Assisted Laryngoscopy and Airway Decontamination) technique. Special thanks to Dr. Ducanto and Dr. Wells for serving as guest instructors and sharing their wealth of knowledge, experience, and valuable airway management tips!

These high-acuity, low-frequency procedures require continual training to ensure our paramedics are prepared to act quickly and effectively when seconds count. Through realistic scenarios and repetitive skill practice, our members maintain the knowledge, confidence, and proficiency needed to provide the highest level of care to our community.

Evanston Fire Department was happy to join the Evanston Police Department for a great community event today! Over 115 pickleball players, including our own Engine 24, came out to play!

The Lifeguard Academy is officially in session!

Many returning lifeguards have already completed the program, while other new recruits are still putting in the work. Throughout the Academy, participants will train in lifeguarding skills, American Red Cross CPR/AED, physical conditioning, classroom instruction, and critical response preparation. The Academy is designed to challenge recruits both mentally and physically every single day. Hard work, teamwork, and dedication are all part of becoming a professional lifeguard ready to serve our community safely this summer.

Keep up the great work!

After almost 30 years of selfless service, Chief Polep signed off for the last time on May 21st. Thank you for your honor, bravery, and unwavering dedication. You were a true leader and will be greatly missed.

Group photos by Northern Illinois Fire Ground Photography by Tim Olk

Please join us tomorrow for Chief Polep’s walkout ceremony at 3PM. Open house at Fire Department Headquarters from 1-3PM. Stop by and wish Chief Polep a Happy Retirement!

It was a great Promotional Ceremony at the EFD last night. Firefighters Olsen & William Lynch to Fire Apparatus Operator, Fire Apparatus Operators Gonzalez & Trippi to Captain, Captain Edwards to Division Chief, Division Chief Smith to Deputy Chief and Rabbi Hart & Pastor Greene appointed Chaplains. Congratulations to all!

Another sad day for the Chicago Fire Department. Engineer Steven Decker passed away during a training exercise today.

Our duty crews had the Honor to pay respects to Brother Decker on his journey home.

Our condolences to Brother Decker’s Family and our Brothers & Sisters of the Chicago Fire Department.

Job well done… Rest in Peace, Brother. We’ll see ya on the Top Floor.

Photo Credit to Tim Olk

This weekend, the Evanston Explorers got a hands-on introduction to the world of Truck Operations. From practicing forcible entry and mastering ladder placement to climbing the aerial ladder and sharpening search-and-rescue skills, these future firefighters stepped up to every challenge with focus, teamwork, and determination.

A great day of training, learning, and leadership development, and a glimpse into the next generation of the fire service.

After 30 years of dedicated service, Chief Paul Polep is retiring on May 21, 2026. Thank you, Chief, for professionally serving the City of Evanston and its residents with honor, bravery, and unwavering dedication. We wish you the best of luck in your next chapter!