Tom Mick Village Manager | Village of Park Forest
Tom Mick Village Manager | Village of Park Forest
The Park Forest Fire Department will organize several events in October to mark Fire Prevention Month, including a poster contest for children, an open house, and participation in a smoke alarm installation initiative.
Fire Prevention Week is scheduled from October 5 to 11. During this period, local youth are invited to enter the department’s annual poster contest with the theme “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” Posters will be judged by fire department staff, and winners will be announced at the Fire Prevention Week Open House on October 10. The top prize includes a new bicycle, breakfast with firefighters, and a ride to school on a fire truck. Winning entries will also appear on the department’s social media pages.
The open house takes place October 10 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Park Forest Fire Department at 156 Indianwood Blvd. Activities between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. include safety trailer demonstrations, station tours, giveaways, hayrides, and opportunities to explore fire trucks. Community partners such as the Park Forest Police Department, La Rabida Children’s Hospital, Park Forest Library, South Suburban Humane Society, and various Village offices will participate. The event concludes with a campfire featuring s’mores, popcorn, and a movie.
Later in October, the department joins the statewide “Be Alarmed!” program alongside the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office and Camp I Am Me nonprofit group. From October 20 to 26, firefighters will install smoke alarms with sealed batteries that last ten years in Park Forest homes at no charge.
Deputy Chief Taylor Bordewyk said the program seeks to protect residents and increase awareness about home fire safety.
“Smoke alarms are the most effective early warning devices available,” Bordewyk said. “By simply having a working smoke alarm in your home, you can reduce your risk of fire-related fatalities by half.” The department will also provide information on creating home fire escape plans during these visits.
Residents interested in any of these programs can contact the Park Forest Fire Department at 708-481-4549 for more details.
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