Park Forest Fire Department

10/09/2026

Today's the day!! Join us today for our Annual Fire Prevention Week Open House beginning at 4:30 PM!

10/08/2026

Check out this article from the latest edition of the JEMS (Journal of Emergency Medical Services) Magazine, written by our very own Lieutenant Bess Vlahakis, about an EMS drill she designed for our monthly Regional EMS training earlier this year.

Congratulations to Lt. Vlahakis on getting this published.
We are proud of you and thankful to have you on our PFFD team!
Keep up the great work!

Park Forest Fire Department hosted regional EMS training in a realistic hoarder-house drill involving nearby fire departments and paramedic students.

10/02/2026

This month’s EMS training focused on managing the stress and challenges of pediatric emergencies while building provider confidence.

We kicked things off with the “Helium Stick Challenge,” a simple team-building exercise that quickly demonstrated how communication, clear leadership, defined roles, and teamwork can make - or break - a high-stress situation. Teams were given what seemed like a simple task: work together to lower a lightweight rod to the ground while maintaining contact with it. As everyone quickly discovered, simple instructions don’t always mean simple ex*****on!

The exercise provided a great parallel to pediatric cardiac arrest calls. Stress rises quickly, multiple people may try to solve the same problem at once, communication can break down, and frustration can build when there isn’t a clear plan or leader. Success required many of the same things we need on a high-stress pediatric call: clear leadership, defined roles, closed-loop communication, and good teamwork.

Crews then put those lessons to work during hands-on pediatric cardiac arrest training, focusing on staying organized, communicating effectively, and providing confident patient care when the stakes are high.

Thank you to the following departments who participated in this month's training: Country Club Hills, Crete, East Hazel Crest, Lansing, Markham, Richton Park, Matteson.

10/02/2026

Just one week until we host our Annual Fire Prevention Week Open House at the fire station! See flyers for more information. Hope to see you there!

09/21/2026

Fire Prevention Week: October 4-10, 2026 - this year's theme is "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower".

The Fire Department will be hosting a variety of events to celebrate including our annual open house on October 9th and a fire safety poster contest for children ages 7-12 who live in or attend school in Park Forest.

Please see the flyers for more information and feel free to contact the department at 708-481-4549 if you have any questions.

08/31/2026

Please join us as we fulfill our promise to never forget the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

08/30/2026

Last day to order your 2026 Adopt a Shelter Dog Month shirt to support the South Suburban Humane Society!

08/28/2026

This month’s EMS training at the Park Forest Fire Department was field childbirth and newborn care training. While there were plenty of laughs—the skills being practiced were taken very seriously.

Crews worked through realistic scenarios involving imminent delivery, newborn assessment and care, APGAR scoring, maternal complications, and the many challenges that come with delivering a baby outside of the hospital.

Childbirth may not be one of our most frequent calls, but when it happens, there is no substitute for preparation. Our goal is to make sure our providers are confident, competent, and ready to provide excellent care to both mom and baby when they need us most.

A big thank you to all of the departments and providers who participated, learned together, and were willing to be a little uncomfortable in the name of better patient care. And to our volunteer “moms”… you were glowing!

08/24/2026

Time is running out to get your order in for the 2026 Adopt a Shelter Dog Month fundraiser supporting our friends at the South Suburban Humane Society!

https://sshsfundraiser2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Last day to order is this Sunday, August 30th!

08/18/2026

On Friday, August 7th, we welcomed back our former and retired members for the 6th Bi-Annual Fire Department Reunion Picnic. It was so great to see and visit with those who came before us and helped build and shape the department into what it is today.

If you were able to attend and have photos, please share them in the comments. If you weren't able to attend, we hope to see you in 2028!