Three Northwest suburban fire departments to train together
The Palatine Rural Fire Protection District, Palatine Fire Department and Rolling Meadows Fire Department have agreed to combine training programs this year in an effort to improve the level of service, ensure firefighter safety, improve overall efficiency and increase operational consistency. The deal follows an April 2012 agreement between Palatine Rural and Rolling Meadows to share training officer and incident commander positions. The three groups will effectively train as one department and provide coverage while certain members are training in firefighting, hazardous materials, special rescue and emergency medical response practices. The three departments also have partnered to pursue additional goals in 2013, and will work to standardize emergency response guidelines and revise incident command coverage areas. The fire chiefs said they’re grateful that staff and officials have embraced the efforts.