La Grange Park Fire Department open house attracts hundreds

Several hundred people turned out Oct. 7 for the La Grange Park’s Fire Department’s Open House.

On display was the department’s full array of firefighting equipment, and numerous exhibits devoted to enhancing the public’s understanding of fire prevention.

“Looking forward to a nice day with fun for those who attend and hoping attendees learn something to help keep them and their families safe from fire,” Fire Chief Dean Maggos said before the event.

The day had several demonstrations designed to enlighten the public about techniques to prevent fire-related deaths, including ones involving the “Jaws of Life” apparatus designed to extricate persons from burning and damaged cars, a “safe house” exhibit teaching people how to escape from a house fire, and a demonstration of how quickly fire spreads in a home.

Other demonstrations included ones on stove fires, and how to use fire extinguishers.

Fire Department trucks were available for kid’s rides, games and crafts were provided for kids, and refreshments were served at the expense of the department.

Officials from the University of Chicago/Advent Health had a booth educating residents how to stay healthy, including information about what to do to prevent a stroke, and how to recognize one in process.

Fire Department personnel were on hand to demonstrate equipment.

Firefighter Madalyn Ullrich, a three-year member of the paid, on-call department, manned the demonstration about home safety.

“We just wanted people to know we’re in the neighborhood,” she said, standing next to the portable safety house provided by the Pleasantview Fire Protection District. “General home safety is important, especially for kids.”

Ullrich spoke of teaching children different ways to get out of a burning room, and how they should feel a door and if it’s hot, then use another way out.

Ullrich’s colleague, David Skiba, said that the day was “a great day to connect with the community. If people can learn one lesson about fire safety, the day is a success.”

The history of the department that began in 1892 was the subject of a display.

In addition to case with fire department information that normally sits in display at the Village Hall — and is a regular part of the annual open house — was a table full of picture books containing photos and information about the department’s history.

“It started as a COVID project,” Firefighter Evan Lilly said. “We had a lot of this stuff in the basement. We digitized the info and put it all on our Facebook page (La Grange Park Fire History).”

Lilly said that from the beginning to the present, there were at least 400 men and women who had served the department.

One whose family has long been involved with the La Grange Park Fire Department is Ashley Mahn, who attended with her niece, Lucy.

“This has been part of my family history for a number of years,” she said, noting that her grandfather, father, uncle, mother, and brother had all been firefighters. “To share this with Lucy makes me very happy.

Diane Bortoli attended with her son, Benjamin.

“He has wanted to be a fireman, ever since I can remember,” she said.

Village Trustee Mike Sheehan was there and urged people to look into participating in the department.

“The turnout was great on a nice fall day,” he said. “Our mostly volunteer, paid on-call personnel do a great job 24/7 helping and protecting our residents. Those who might be interested in joining the department should check online or contact chief Maggos for more information.”

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Chief Maggos was pleased with the turnout.

“We were happy to see everyone who made it out, and we hope e everyone took away a lesson that will help protect them, their family, and their homes from fire,” he said.

Hank Beckman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.