Mission Statement
Through a dedicated, professional workforce, the Rock Island Fire Department will strive to provide for personal and economic security to the community which it serves. Through the delivery of services and programs, we will protect life and property in our community from the adverse effects of fire, medical, environmental and other emergencies, both natural and man made. We will give the highest level of service possible with the level of resources provided to this department, in the most efficient and cost effective manner possible.
Goals
- Protect the life, property and environment from injury and damage due to fire, disaster and other emergencies;
- Protect the community with the greatest value for its investments through effective management and a professional workforce;
- Enhance community involvement and public image.
A Proud and Growing Tradition
RIFD has a proud tradition of providing emergency medical services throughout the city of Rock Island. The fire department was first created in the year of 1855 as a volunteer department and grew to become paid department in 1891. Since then, the department has grown to 61 full time employees at four fire stations strategically placed throughout the city. The fire department provides both fire suppression and emergency medical services at the paramedic level. The department also responds to over 4000 emergency calls per year and has an average response time to anywhere in the city of under four minutes.
Today, RIFD consists of four engine companies, one rescue squad, two ambulances and a command vehicle.
The fire service has changed dramatically throughout the years from just fire suppression to a wide range of emergencies like confined space rescue, hazardous material spills and citizen assists. The Rock Island Fire Department is proud to be a part of MABAS 43, a combined hazardous material team that consists of the Rock Island, Moline, East Moline and the Arsenal Fire Department that will respond to any hazardous materials emergency. Rock Island firefighters are trained in-house and through other institutions akin to Illinois Fire Service Institute located at the University of Illinois in Champaign to maintain the highest level of professionalism for the citizens of Rock Island.
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