History & Overview
The McCook Fire Department was established in 1936 with volunteer firefighters dedicated to protecting the Village of McCook. Today, our 14 members provide fire suppression, emergency medical care, and a full range of emergency services to residents and the thousands who work and travel through our jurisdiction every day.
Every member of the department is a certified firefighter through the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal and a licensed paramedic through the Illinois Department of Public Health. Our Firefighter/Paramedics train continuously to ensure proficiency across all operational areas — bringing the highest standard of care and skill to every emergency call we answer.
Mutual Aid Box Alarm System — Division 10
The McCook Fire Department is a member of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Division 10. The MABAS system includes the Department in a cooperative, systematic method of sharing resources and personnel with fire departments throughout Illinois — ensuring that no community faces a major emergency without support.
Our EMS Division is operated under the medical direction and guidance of the Loyola Hospital Emergency Medical System. This affiliation ensures our paramedics maintain advanced clinical protocols and a continuous commitment to quality improvement, delivering hospital-level pre-hospital care directly in the field and in your home.
Our Apparatus
The department deploys apparatus on an as-needed basis to match the demands of each incident. Our fleet is equipped to handle structural fires, advanced medical emergencies, technical rescue, and command operations simultaneously.
| Unit | Classification | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Company | Frontline | Structural fire suppression and water supply operations |
| ALS Ambulance ×2 | ALS | Advanced Life Support emergency medical response and transport |
| Tower Ladder | Frontline | Aerial operations, elevated rescue, and ventilation |
| ALS Rescue Vehicle | ALS | Advanced Life Support rescue and extrication response |
| Command SUV | Command | Incident command and on-scene management |
| Rapid Response UTV | Support | Off-road access and rapid deployment response |
| Ford F250 | Support | Logistics and scene support operations |
Certifications & Affiliations
Every member of our department meets the highest standards set by the State of Illinois and our medical oversight partners.
State Fire Marshal
All members hold firefighter certification through the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, meeting the state's highest professional standards.
Licensed Paramedics
Every firefighter holds a paramedic license issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health, enabling dual-role emergency response on every call.
Loyola Hospital EMS
Our EMS Division operates under the medical guidance of the Loyola Hospital Emergency Medical System, ensuring advanced clinical protocols and quality care.