Regional fire service concept discussed in DuPage County

The DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference Fire Services Stakeholders group has proposed a plan that would divide the county into four quadrants, using major highways like I-88 and I-355 as natural boundaries. Under this system, fire departments and fire protection districts within each quadrant would be encouraged to share resources, engage in joint purchasing, exchange training programs, and adopt standardized protocols for operations and safety. Officials believe this approach could lead to significant cost savings without compromising the quality of service residents depend on.

"Our goal is to create a cooperative system that keeps costs low while maintaining the high level of efficiency and service we already provide," said Gary Grasso, a county board member and co-chair of the fire services stakeholders group. "This is about making smart decisions that benefit both the agencies and the communities they serve."

Grasso explained that the regional fire service model was developed over the past four years. Initially, the group considered forming a single, countywide fire department. However, he acknowledged that such a move would have been too ambitious, even in a region known for its big ideas. "Even in the land of Chicago, that was probably too much to take on," he said with a smile.

Despite the challenges, Grasso emphasized that action is necessary due to the continuous increase in operational costs, including pensions, equipment, and staffing. "We can't ignore the financial pressures anymore," he said. "We need to find ways to do more with less."

Grant Eckhoff, another county board member who has long supported the consolidation of fire districts, echoed these sentiments. He believes that collaboration is essential in the face of budget constraints. "This whole initiative is driven by economics," Eckhoff said. "We’re trying to stay ahead of the curve and offer a real opportunity for agencies to come together and save money."

Grasso noted that the quadrant system is feasible in DuPage because of the county's strong fire infrastructure, including numerous stations, well-equipped facilities, and highly trained personnel. However, he stressed that participation must be voluntary. "No one is forcing anyone to join," he said. "Even if we had the authority—which we don’t—this needs to be led by the professionals who understand the needs of their agencies and communities."

The next step is to present the proposal to fire chiefs, municipalities, fire protection districts, and labor unions. Grasso also pointed out that some agencies are already working together in a similar way. For example, the West Suburban Fire/Rescue Alliance includes the Wheaton Fire Department and several surrounding districts that have successfully reduced response times and shared resources.

This initiative reflects a broader trend in public services, where cooperation and shared resources are becoming essential tools for managing rising costs and improving efficiency. As the discussion continues, it will be interesting to see how the various agencies respond to the call for collaboration.

Thanks, Dan

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