Hinsdale Magazine | Spotlight
The old, horse-drawn Howe pumper in front of the Tower 84 ladder truck
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his Thanksgiving and holiday season, HM thought it would be appropriate to recognize the Hinsdale Fire Department.
According to Hinsdale fire chief John Giannelli, the fire department takes "great pride" in serving the community." "I am very proud of all the members and everything they have accomplished, achieved and continue to strive for," Giannelli said. The Hinsdale Fire Department was awarded the Joseph Hartmann award of excellence in 2020. This award is presented to a medic crew or fire department that best exhibits excellence in the delivery of emergency care in a pre-hospital setting.
"Since that time, we continue to preserve our history with displays and memorials throughout our station," he said. "Our Station 2, located right in front of the firehouse, houses a horse-drawn fire engine among other historical department keepsakes. “When it comes to being innovative, our
purchased a pair of new Lucas automatic chest compression systems. "These devices provide continuous chest compressions during a sudden cardiac arrest event," Giannelli said. "Even though we respond with all six shift members on a reported cardiac arrest, the Lucas device helps maximize our manpower to provide the best possible outcome for the patient. Our patient survival rates are the best we have seen, and it’s because of this specialized equipment, our training and teamwork."
“Our fire department takes great pride in serving the community. I am very proud of all the members and everything they have accomplished, achieved and continue to strive for.”
“Our department’s history, traditions and values are exhibited by our firefighters that serve this community every day," Giannelli said. "Our mission statement says it all: ‘To be worthy of the trust placed upon us, and to uphold the privilege of wearing this uniform every day.' 26
According to Giannelli, the department began with the founders of the village served on it.
HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE
- JOHN GIANNELLI, Hinsdale fire chief
fire department continues to advance in fire and life safety methods and practices. Thirty years ago, we were one of the first few fire departments to cross-train firefighters to the paramedic level to provide advanced life support EMS services." In recent years, the department has
Nearly all members of the fire department have or are in the process of achieving an associate’s, bachelor’s, and/or Master’s degree. All department members extend their learning throughout their fire careers, by completing continuing education courses, in addition to firefighter advancement classes and officer development training. Many department members are trained in a specialized skill, and are assigned to teams or task forces that provide mutualaid to the surrounding communities. All Hinsdale firefighters are state-certified
