The Beecher Fire Protection District is preparing for changes in its leadership and staffing after the Board of Trustees on March 20 approved the creation of a new Lieutenant position. The board set a two-week application window starting March 31 and also formalized its personnel appointment procedures, signaling a focus on organizational structure. For more on the new position and staffing, see our full story.

In other business, trustees accepted the district’s 2024 Annual Report and received updates on new community safety initiatives, firefighter training, and routine operations. The board also approved the February treasurer’s report and payment of March bills before adjourning.

New Community Safety Programs Launched
Assistant Fire Chief Tim McGannon reported that the district has added a new Barn Fire Safety program and a smoke detector program to its public outreach efforts. He also noted that department staff have followed up with 56 patients from previous emergency medical calls since the beginning of January to check on their well-being.

District Reports Over 2,600 Training Hours
Firefighters have completed 2,640.5 training hours, according to a report from Deputy Chief Mike Heusing. The report also provided updates on vehicle and equipment maintenance as well as the status of new candidates for the district. The consistent training ensures firefighters are prepared for a wide range of emergencies.

Chief Updates Board on Operations
Fire Chief Joe Falaschetti provided updates on several key operational areas. These included the status of grant applications, plan reviews for local businesses, ongoing cooperation with Sauk Village, and the district’s involvement with the MABAS 27 mutual aid division and the WILCO Fire Radio Group. Updates were also given on group life insurance enrollment and CPR classes.

Financial Reports Approved
The board unanimously approved the treasurer’s report for February, which included a Profit & Loss statement, bank reconciliations, and investment reports. In a separate motion, trustees also approved the payment of bills for March. Both financial items were approved by a 3-0 roll call vote.