Channahon Fire District celebrates opening Station 2

CHANNAHON – The Channahon Fire Protection District has officially opened its new Fire Station 2.

“Our fire district services approximately 35 square miles of area. We also protect six nautical miles of the DuPage River, seven nautical miles of the Des Plaines River and 13 miles of Interstate 55 in the north and southbound directions,” said Chief John Petrakis in a news release. “The district is comprised of mostly residential, however there are areas of large commercial and industrial properties that comprise areas in our east and south response districts. In addition to traditional emergency services, we also provide public education, fire inspections, community support services and public services.”

With these extension services and a growing district, Channahon needed a second station. The new station is located at 23370 S. Thomas Dillon Drive and Station 1 is at 24929 S. Center St. The district has 26 full-time employees and 4 part-time.

The Channahon Minooka Chamber ribbon cutting was held Aug. 1 with fire protection district and village officials.

“Our community is so fortunate to have a forward-thinking fire district that works to prepare not only for the now, but the future,” said Chamber President & CEO Christina Van Yperen.

As the fire district’s population, occupancy types, and other factors continue to change and grow the district prioritizes maintaining quality services and education to residents and businesses, Petrakis said.

A new program recently instituted is a community support services program addressing the challenges of mental health and human services the district experiences during ambulance requests.

“The program is focused on providing resources after the emergency call has ended in specific cases like mental health crises, senior services issues, in-home care arrangements and other similar situations,” the Chief said. “Our district has a part-time Community Support Services Coordinator who works with our crews and other professionals in the community to seek assistance for those who need assistance beyond our traditional response.”

For more information on the fire district call 815-467-6767 or visit channahonfire.com.