Beecher Fire District Imposes Fees for Excessive Lift Assists

Beecher Fire Protection District Meeting | December 18, 2025

Article Summary: The Beecher Fire Protection District Board of Trustees unanimously approved a new ordinance establishing fees for “excessive” lift assists. The measure aims to manage non-emergency service calls where residents require physical assistance but not medical transport.

Beecher Fire District Key Points:

• Ordinance Passed: Ordinance #1219-25 was approved by a 5-0 vote.

• Purpose: The ordinance establishes “reasonable” fees specifically for “excessive lift assist[s]” provided by the fire district.

• Operations Update: Fire Chief Joe Falaschetti reported on several operational updates, including solar farm requirements, CPR classes for village staff, and the transition to Silver Cross Hospital.

BEECHER — Residents who frequently rely on the fire department for physical lifting assistance may soon face a bill for the service. On Thursday, December 18, 2025, the Beecher Fire Protection District Board of Trustees unanimously approved Ordinance #1219-25, which establishes fees for “excessive lift assists.”

The ordinance was passed following a brief closed session meeting. While the specific fee structure and the definition of “excessive” were not detailed in the meeting minutes, the move signals an effort by the district to recoup costs associated with repeated non-emergency calls where residents require help moving but do not need medical transport or hospitalization.

In addition to the new ordinance, Fire Chief Joe Falaschetti updated the board on several ongoing initiatives. He noted new requirements for solar farms, pre-fire planning for buildings, and CPR classes being conducted for village and public works employees. He also mentioned a transition involving Silver Cross Hospital and updates regarding the WILLCO Fire Radio Group.

Deputy Chief Mike Heusing reported that the department has logged 10,194 firefighter training hours. He also noted that a new brush truck is expected to be delivered in late February or early March.