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Frequently Asked Questions

The profession of Firefighter/Paramedic is unlike any other and we are often asked about our career and daily life. We have listed a few of the most popular questions but if you don't find an answer you're looking for, please contact us, we are happy to help.

  • Why does a fire engine accompany the ambulance for medical calls?
    Many times you might see a fire engine accompany an ambulance on a medical call. The extra personnel allows the ambulance crew more assistance in medical procedures, lifting patients, and carrying additional equipment to provide “committed to excellence” service to our residents.
  • What's the difference between the fire engine and the fire truck with the ladder?
    The fire engine is a vehicle that holds general rescue and fire suppression equipment, including a large number of lengths of hose. The fire engine’s crew is tasked to perform fire suppression and extinguishment. The fire ladder truck carries specialized rescue equipment, various amounts of ladders, including a large main ladder that is capable of extending 105 feet. This fire truck’s crew is specializes in building ventilation, vehicle extrication techniques, including search and rescue practices. All Glenview fire engines or trucks operate with a minimum of 3 firefighters on each unit.
  • Is every member of the fire department a paramedic?
    No. All general members are required to be certified paramedics with the exception of certain officer ranks. Approximately 95% of our fire department personnel are certified paramedics.
  • Does the village buy your meals?
    As is tradition in the fire service, each member pays for their own meals. We contribute enough to cover lunch and dinner for our station. If time permits, we shop for groceries and then prepare our meals at the firehouse.
  • Why do I see the fire engine at the grocery store?
    Working 24 hour shifts requires us to eat our meals at the firehouse. The most economical way to accomplish this is to do our daily shopping at the local grocery store and then prepare our meals at the firehouse. If you see us in the store, feel free to say hello or stop by the engine for a quick tour.
  • Can't you just send the fire SUV to the store instead of the engine?
    Since we never know when the next emergency will happen, we are always within running distance of our fire engine or ambulance. Our vehicles carry the tools we need to respond to any emergency and we are never far apart. Where we go they go.
  • What does "Paramedic Engine" or “Paramedic Truck” mean on the vehicles?"
    A Glenview fire truck or engine that reads “Paramedic Engine” or “Paramedic Truck” means that these vehicles staff members who are certified paramedics and carry advanced life support equipment. At times, a paramedic fire unit may arrive on the scene first and establish basic or advanced medical care before an ambulance arrives. Is every member of the fire department a paramedic also?
  • How many emergency calls does the fire department respond to?
    The Glenview Fire responded to approximately 8,600 calls for service in 2019.
  • What does "change your clock, change your battery" mean?"
    Our department’s public education team states that this saying is a reminder to all as to when to replace the batteries in your smoke or carbon monoxide detectors. When you change your clocks for either daylight savings time in the spring and fall, you should be installing a new battery in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at this time.
  • How often should I replace the batteries in my smoke or carbon monoxide detectors?
    We recommend as a minimum at least twice a year or every six months. Please remember to test your smoke or carbon monoxide detectors monthly or per manufacturer’s recommendations. There are many of these detection devices on the market today, so please become familiar with the unit you purchase.
  • What should I do with a smoke or carbon monoxide detector that doesn't work anymore?
    For proper recycling of old/non-working smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, please visit the website for the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) at https://swancc.org/green-pages-reuse-and-recycling-directory/smoke-detectors. The site will provide you with the proper way to dispose of these products. They will provide you with the proper information to dispose of these products.
  • What should I do with an old or used fire extinguisher?
    For proper recycling of old or used fire extinguishers, please visit the website for the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) at https://swancc.org/green-pages-reuse-and-recycling-directory/fire-extinguishers. The site will provide you with the proper information to dispose of these products.
  • What is a "meeting place" at my home?"
    A meeting place is an area outside the home, residence, school, or place of work where members or families will meet in case of an emergency inside the building. The meeting place can be near a mailbox, fire hydrant, etc. This will be a place that firefighters can identify as a meeting place when they arrive to ask if everyone is out of the building. Where is your family’s meeting place?
  • When can I stop by for a blood pressure?
    Residents and visitors are welcome to visit any of the five Glenview fire stations to obtain a blood pressure reading. We politely ask that you stop in from the hours of 7am-7pm for readings. Please realize that if no firefighters answer the door, that they may be out on an emergency call. So, feel free to stop back at a later time. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, please dial 9-1-1.
  • Do you install car seats at the firehouse?
    Child car seat installation is available through the Glenview Police Department. Officers attend a 40 hour certification program, insuring that they are properly trained. The service is available by scheduling an appointment with the police.
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