South Beloit Fire regaining full independence in fire and EMS service
As of April 1, South Beloit is back to running its own fire and EMS services after ending its agreement with the Town of Beloit.
The South Beloit Fire Department announced that effective April 1, that the department has assumed all responsibility for all fire and emergency medical service (EMS) responses within the city of South Beloit.
The department covers over 6.5 miles, and the city's population of an estimated 8,000 people.
This action follows the department's successful transition to full EMS coverage which began on March 11.
Adam Neblock
“Since that time, SBFD personnel have demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism in serving the communities emergency medical needs,” said South Beloit Fire Chief Brian Kunce.
Kunce adds, “We are especially proud to have reached this important moment for our department and our community. Taking on both fire and EMS services allows us to provide more coordinated, efficient, and responsive emergency care to the residents of South Beloit.”
Currently, the South Beloit Fire Department maintains a minimum staffing level of three personnel on duty 24 hours a day.
“Plans are underway to enhance service capacity with the department preparing to open applications for part time positions,” Kunce said. “These additions are expected to increase staffing levels to four or five personnel per shift, further strengthening emergency response capabilities.”
During the month of March, the fire department began the transition with mandatory training complete with HR why onboarding, EMS system training, practicals, ambulance familiarization, standing medical orders, and other related training, including donning (putting on) and doffing (removing) a firefighter's personal protective equipment (PPE) safely.
Also fully implemented: buddy breathing, a last-resort firefighter survival technique for sharing air during a low-air or malfunction emergency and troubleshooting with all parts of the self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), pump training, and driving the fire apparatus.
Hazmat teams are fully ready to remove hazardous materials from various environments.
Kunce said, “We are grateful for the regional efforts that have been made over the last two years to ensure the safety of our communities. We extend our sincere gratitude to the South Beloit City Council and the community for your continued support and trust throughout this transition.“
South Beloit Fire's mission is to prevent the loss of life and property and they are dedicated to delivering quality services efficiently and professionally. They can also be reached for non-emergency inquiries during business hours.
The department offers full service, 24 hour emergency response for fires, medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, rescue calls, and incidents.
EMS needs are better met though the use of advanced intubation equipment which are modern tools used to enhance airway management during critical emergencies.
Protocol updates incorporate expanded guidelines that allow advanced airway management capabilities. Enhanced medication security is part of new systems that are used for securely storing and protecting medications on ambulances.
Fire prevention services connect with community safety education, open burning, and controlled burn permit requirements, and the scheduling of residential or commercial safety inspections. The department works with other local departments to conduct water safety training.
Open burning in the City of South Beloit runs from April 4 until May 17, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Residents are allowed to burn yard waste generated on their own property. Strictly prohibited is the burning of lumber, trash, or furniture. It is required that burn sites shall not exceed 60 inches in diameter and must be located 30 ft. away from any structure.
Fires cannot be left unattended at any point and participants must have water or other means of extinguishing the fire nearby.
All open burning must cease upon the request of the police or fire department if a fire has been determined to become a health or a safety issue. To reduce the spread of fire, burning can only be conducted if winds are below 10 miles per hour. Fires cannot impede or obscure roadway visibility.
Community outreach and education comes in the forms of CPR, first aid, and fire extinguisher training classes, plus smoke detector installation assistance and fire prevention resources.
The South Beloit Fire Department has a long standing history. The department was established in 1927 after a bond issue to remodel the city hall.
The first fire truck, a W.S. Knott, was delivered in February of 1928. Clare Hillman was the first fire chief.
From the 1920s to the 1950s there were 12 volunteers in the department.
As the department faced significant recruitment issues, the time came to look into making changes.
Adam Neblock
Adam Neblock
At the end of 2023, the City of South Beloit announced they would enter into a discussion with the Town of Beloit for fire staffing services.
In March 2024, the city approved the intergovernmental agreement, following several months of discussions, negotiations, and meetings between the two communities.
By July 1, 2024, the Town of Beloit had also approved the agreement. However, this agreement began falling apart in 2025, after a failed FEMA grant.
Today, the South Beloit Fire Department has reclaimed a fully independent in-house fire and EMS service, under the direction of Fire Chief Brian Kunce.
Marianne Mueller
Churches and businesses have been bringing food to the department in a show of appreciation for their service and dedication to the community.
