The Wheeling Fire Department recently received the 2016 Life Safety Award for its fire safety efforts in the community.
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) announced and congratulated the winners of this year’s honors. In total, OSFM celebrated the naming of eight fire departments in Illinois, which were determined by representatives of The National Association of State Fire Marshals Fire Research and Education Foundation and Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company.
“Fire prevention is our number one priority,” Illinois State Fire Marshal Matt Perez said in the release. “Whether that’s educating our kids on fire safety or responding rapidly to a house fire, our fire departments are ensuring the safety and well-being of all Illinoisans. I commend the eight departments recognized for their hard and courageous work.”
Recipients were selected either for avoiding any fire-related deaths in residential buildings or for notching a 10 percent decrease from the year before.
To be eligible, candidates also had to maintain a fire prevention program as well as to work toward improved fire safety in their local communities.
Across the country, 110 fire departments – representing 31 different states – received recognition for their 2016 work.
Winners from Illinois include:
- Alsip Fire Department
- Bourbonnais Fire Protection District
- Countryside Fire Protection District
- Effingham Fire Department
- Gurnee Fire Rescue
- Henry Fire Protection District
- River Forest Fire Department
- Wheeling Fire Department
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