Tom Mick Village Manager | Village of Park Forest
Tom Mick Village Manager | Village of Park Forest
The Park Forest Fire Department has released its 2024 annual report, showing a record number of emergency calls for the year. The department responded to 5,189 emergency calls in 2024, surpassing previous years. Of these calls, 3,902 were medical emergencies and 1,287 were fire-related incidents.
The annual report was introduced in July by Mark Cotrano, who was recently appointed as Fire Chief after the retirement of Tracy Natyshok. Cotrano said, “We are proud of the work our department accomplished in 2024. This report demonstrates the professionalism and resilience our firefighters and paramedics bring to the community every single day.” He also acknowledged his predecessor’s influence: “Chief Natyshok laid a strong groundwork for growth, training, and innovation. We’re continuing that momentum.”
December was identified as the busiest month with 480 calls. Mondays saw the highest call volume during the week, with peak activity occurring between 5 and 6 p.m.
The department managed various types of fire responses including 53 structure fires, nine cooking fires, and three grass fires. They also participated in mutual or automatic aid on 581 occasions. For the third consecutive year, no citizen complaints were received regarding department services.
Training remained a key focus throughout the year under EMS Coordinator Bess Vlahakis. Monthly sessions addressed topics such as burn care and cardiac emergencies; one session involved hands-on practice with pig hearts to improve skills related to cardiac anatomy and EKG techniques.
Staffing levels included 28 full-time employees and two paid-on-call firefighters. Minimum daily staffing was maintained at six personnel due to support from a SAFER Grant; however, overtime was needed on 98 days because of shortages.
The department operated on an almost $6.6 million budget in 2024, allocating about half ($3.3 million) toward personnel costs. Other expenses covered insurance, maintenance needs, equipment purchases, and dispatch services. Although no new grants were secured last year, staff continued efforts to obtain additional funding.
Other notable events included Edward Wright’s retirement after more than two decades of service as firefighter/paramedic and Cory Murdoch being named Firefighter of the Year for 2023 at a February ceremony.
Community engagement activities featured appearances at Main Street Nights events, Fire Prevention Week programs, and participation in the Park Forest Farmers Market. Online outreach expanded as well; social media efforts led to over 3,000 Facebook followers and a TikTok post receiving more than 34,000 views.
A new compact fire engine designed for use in tight spaces like co-op lots has been delivered this year as part of ongoing readiness initiatives.
“Our focus is always on readiness, service, and safety,” Cotrano said. “While the numbers indicate record-breaking calls, it’s the people behind the response who truly define this department.”
To read the full report, click here.
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