The Tinley Park Fire Department recently ordered a new aerial vehicle, as noted earlier. There's an interesting article on TribLocal that delves into how the department managed to fund this acquisition.
According to the report, regular contributions from Tinley Park residents remain crucial even over a century after the community first came together to support its firefighters. The Village Board recently approved the purchase of a ladder truck for $850,000. However, thanks to the efforts of the Tinley Park Fire Department Association, only half of the cost will come directly from taxpayer funds.
The association has pledged to cover $425,000 of the price tag, primarily through their annual dinner dance and other fundraising activities, a tradition that began way back in 1902. Trustee Brian Maher, who oversees the Public Safety Committee, expressed gratitude for these efforts, noting that they help reduce costs for local taxpayers.
Interestingly, the village’s firefighting force, now employing over 100 part-time firefighters, originally operated as a fully volunteer-based service that heavily depended on community support. Despite numerous changes since its founding in 1901, the department continues to benefit greatly from public backing. Firefighter and association president Mike Hughes pointed out that this tradition echoes the early days when volunteers had to raise funds for essential gear.
The inaugural Firefighters Dance in 1902 raised just $15.15 for the department. Over 110 years later, the event remains a key fundraiser each January. Hughes emphasized the strong bond between the community and the fire department, calling it "amazing" and "blessed."
Beyond organizing events, the association frequently buys equipment for the department, such as ladder trucks and fire engines. Their last major purchase occurred in 2007 when they spent $401,000 on a fire engine. Typically, the village covers part of these larger expenses. Without the association's fundraising, Maher stated, the village would need to rely entirely on tax revenue.
For those interested, the full article is available HERE. Special thanks to Dennis for sharing this insightful piece!
In my opinion, the collaboration between the community and the fire department highlights a commendable example of civic engagement. It’s inspiring to see how consistent support from residents ensures the department remains well-equipped while minimizing taxpayer burden. This model could serve as a template for other towns looking to strengthen their own emergency services.
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