Rockton fire Protection District hosted open house to commemorate National Fire Prevention Week
Rockton Fire Protection District is ready to help the community 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
By Marianne Mueller
Every year the Rockton Fire Protection District welcomes the public to an open house during Fire Prevention Week from Oct.4-10 in 2026.
Families and the overall community entered the Rockton fire department on Sunday, Oct.4 to learn more about what they give back to the public every day, 24 hours a day.
Action happened outside and inside the walls of the station.
Outside visitors were learning how to use a fire hose and to feel the different levels of pressure that comes through the hose.
Many took rides in a bucket ladder, operated by Lieutenant Dennis Seeley.
A display featured brand new EMS equipment, plus a new ambulance that has been added to the fleet, after it passed its Illinois Department of Public Health inspection. It is a new 2026 F-550 Horton ambulance.
New EMS equipment enables the department to expand the district's Advanced Life Support,(ALS) and emergency transport capabilities for the community.
Any time of the day service calls cover medical, fire and rescue events.
All ages were able to look inside fire trucks and other equipment, and to learn about new pieces of lifesaving devices and life saving fire prevention tips.
Food- hot dogs, hot cider, juice for kids and cupcakes were served, and a table was loaded with giveaway items, including key chains, fire hats for young ones, fire escape plans, pens and pencils, specialty erasers, notepads, stickers, and other cool items.
Every day, residents in Rockton have the knowledge and confidence that the Rockton Fire Protection District is ready to handle emergency situations.
The department responds to fire, medical, hazardous material response, and rescue emergencies.
Most recently staff members completed outfitting, driver training and operational prep alongside internal paramedic milestones, one example is personnel who have graduated from the Mercy Health Paramedic Program.
Public education is a very important part of the fire district's mission.
First Aid and American Heart Association, Learn and Live CPR classes are free to residents or $40 to anyone outside the area who would like to take the course. Dates of available classes and full information are on the Rockton Fire Protection District website: https://www.rocktonfire.com/public-ed
Over the years the department has welcomed visitors from local schools, clubs and organizations to learn about different areas the department covers.
Fire Prevention Week was started by the National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA) in 1922 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. According to legend, the fire started when a cow kicked over a lantern in the O'Leary barn, though many historians doubt that today. Today the Chicago Fire Training Academy sits on what was once the O'Leary property.
In 1925 President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week to occur from Oct. 4 through Oct. 10.
The main purpose of the week is to teach everyone from children to adults how to stay safe in the event of a fire, or in an emergency situation.
Each annual open house allows the public to meet the people who place the community first, while bravely taking on situations where life saving methods are needed, and implemented.
