South Beloit Fire Department delivers fast, reliable EMS response in latest report
For South Beloit residents, the message is simple: their fire department is responding quickly, communicating openly, and working hard to earn — and keep — the trust of the community.
The South Beloit Fire Department continues to build trust and momentum with residents, posting fast and reliable emergency medical response times during the week of July 13–20. The department’s EMS Response Time Summary shows a team operating with discipline, accuracy, and a clear commitment to serving the community.
During the reporting period, EMS crews responded to 23 incidents, averaging 1.9 minutes from dispatch to enroute, a number that reflects both readiness and strong internal coordination. As the report notes, crews “consistently left the station in less than two minutes on average,” a benchmark that many suburban departments struggle to meet.
Travel times remained equally strong. Units averaged 2.8 minutes from enroute to arrival, reaching most incidents within one to four minutes. Combined, the department posted an average total response time of 4.7 minutes, well within accepted EMS standards.
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Chief Brian Kunce said he was proud to release the report, noting that accurate data is essential to transparency and accountability. “We have our own reporting software… good data in, good data out,” he said, emphasizing that the department is now fully integrated with the county’s CAD system to ensure precise timing and eliminate internal errors.
One of the department’s biggest internal improvements has been the implementation of a station‑wide pre‑alert system. Previously, early CAD alerts could only be heard on a single screen. Kunce expanded the system so tones now broadcast through speakers across the entire building — from the bay to the bunk rooms — giving crews a 10‑ to 30‑second jump before official dispatch. “That gives us a little bit of a jump… it saves us 10 to 30 seconds,” he said.
For residents, those seconds matter.
Growing staffing, growing capacity
Kunce said the department has maintained its minimum staffing of three firefighters per shift since he took command, with additional personnel now being added. By early August, the department expects to have five firefighters on nights and weekends, and four to five during daytime hours. “My dream… is to have five 24/48,” Kunce said, noting that such staffing would allow the department to handle simultaneous medical calls or launch a full engine‑and‑ladder response to fires.
The department’s roster is expanding to 32–33 personnel, including 21 part‑timers — a rapid buildout Kunce credits to teamwork and shared purpose. “We would not be where we’re at if it wasn’t the entire group,” he said.
Michael McGinnis
Community support remains overwhelming
If there is one theme Kunce returns to often, it’s gratitude.
He said the response from South Beloit residents has been “unbelievable,” describing people honking, waving, stopping to shake hands, and thanking firefighters at stores, restaurants, and community events. “It makes all of us feel so appreciated,” he said. “The community keeps stressing how glad to have their fire department is back.”
Kunce was sworn in on March 2, 2026, bringing more than four decades of firefighting experience to the role. He said the City Council has been supportive from day one.
“The City Council has been very open, and I appreciate the Council knowing and understanding my needs. I will fight for what’s right to protect my team and the people of South Beloit. I want to thank the entire South Beloit community for welcoming me and my team — waving, honking horns — whether we’re out in the community or they’re passing by the station.”
A department focused on trust, transparency, and readiness
Throughout the interview on Thursday, Kunce emphasized the importance of transparency — not just with residents, but with city leadership. He communicates regularly with the mayor, city administrator, and council members, ensuring they know exactly what the department is doing and what it needs.
He also stressed that the public should understand what happens between calls: daily training, equipment checks, medical gear inspections, and readiness routines that ensure crews can respond without hesitation. “It’s not just sitting in a recliner,” he said. “They train every day… making sure everything is working.”
Marianne Mueller
A snapshot of performance — and a sign of what’s ahead
While the EMS Response Time Summary covers only one week, it offers a clear snapshot of a department moving in the right direction. Response times are fast. Staffing is growing. Community support is strong. And leadership is focused on accuracy, accountability, and service.
For South Beloit residents, the message is simple: their fire department is responding quickly, communicating openly, and working hard to earn — and keep — the trust of the community.
Thank you to South Beloit Fire Chief Brian Kunce for talking about his team, the EMS Response Time Summary and how the first few months have been going.
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