Cook County briefs

ATM stolen from hotel:

Thieves stole a 200-pound automated teller machine out of the lobby of the Courtyard by Marriott hotel, 100 W. Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, between 8 p.m. Aug. 13 and 5:45 a.m. Aug. 14. The value of the machine and cash inside was estimated at $3,280. Police reported that the owner of the machine said thieves have stolen four or five such machines over the past two weeks in the Chicago area.

Paramedic fleet grows:

The Hanover Park Fire Department now has 40 licensed paramedics and 12 emergency medical technicians after firefighters Nick Ballestra, Steven Schefler and Joe Valach were recently awarded their paramedic licenses by the Illinois Department of Public Health. The paramedic program, delivered by Sherman Hospital and the Greater Elgin Area Emergency Medical System, consists of more than 1,000 hours of instruction and hands-on training, followed by a licensing exam.

Hoffman fire academy:

Hoffman Estates residents interested in the fire department's day-to-day operations can register for the 2009 Citizens Fire Academy. The classes give residents hands-on experiencs, including climbing a 100-foot ladder and using the Jaws of Life to open up a car. Classes meet from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday nights from Aug. 25 through early November. Contact Tony Butler at (847) 882-9100, ext. 6498, or e-mail tony.butler@hoffmanestates.org.