Two child car seat technicians at Countryside

The Countryside Fire Protection District has two new car seat technicians, thanks to a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Firefighter/paramedics Joel Severin and Frank Faamasino volunteered to receive the four-day training at the Gurnee Police Department to become child car seat technicians.

Public Education Coordinator Tony Rodkey applied for the grant because of increased demand of child car seat checks and lack of certified technicians at the fire station.

“Our fire district checks approximately 20 child car seats monthly between both fire stations”, Rodkey said.

With the grant proceeds, the district will purchase supplies and set up car seat checkpoints at future community events.

The fire district includes Vernon Hills, Hawthorn Woods, parts of unincorporated Lake County and parts of Long Grove and unincorporated Mundelein.

Anyone interested in having a child car seat checked after it has been installed should call (847) 367-5511 for an appointment.