Fire Department

Mission Statement

The River Grove Fire Department’s mission is to faithfully and professionally serve our community through education, prevention, social interaction and emergency response.

About Us

The RGFD is led by Fire Chief Sean M. Flynn who has 30 years of fire service experience within MABAS Division XX. The RGFD is a Round-the-Clock Fire Department that has a roster of approximately 55 members and is able to provide All Hazards Protection to the citizens of River Grove including but not limited to: Emergency Medical Services at an Advanced Life Support (ALS) Level, Fire Suppression Activities, Fire Prevention Duties and Hazardous Material Mitigation all of which are supported by our MABAS Division XX Partners. The RGFD has six (6) members on duty daily that staff an ALS Engine with four (4) members and an ALS Ambulance with two (2). The RGFD Paramedics are Licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health and participate in the Loyola EMS System. The River Grove Fire Department stands ready to serve the residents of our town whenever the need arises 365 days a year.

File of Life

Refrigerator magnet with information card

These free magnetic holders contain an information card that can be filled out with vital information and displayed on the refrigerator in your kitchen. In the event of an emergency, first responders will check your refrigerator for this information card which will provide them with important information such as your blood type, emergency contacts, allergies and much more. Residents interested in a free File of Life for their home may request one by calling the RGFD at (708) 716-5033.


Free Pet Alert Safety Stickers

Red window sticker titled "Pet Alert"

Brand new Pet Alert Safety Stickers are now available for free from the River Grove Fire Department. These stickers are designed to inform first responders that pets are in the residence. 

Residents should place these stickers on a main floor door or window, facing the street, as close to your front entrance as possible. Make sure it is visible to rescue workers and that it includes the types and number of pets in your household and your veterinarian’s phone number.

If you must evacuate due to a disaster and time permits, please write "EVACUATED" across the sticker so rescue workers don’t waste any time looking for your pets.  Residents interested in a free Pet Alert Safety Sticker for their home may request one by calling the RGFD at (708) 716-5033.

Assemble an Emergency Kit for your pet

A simple way to make sure your pets are properly cared for immediately after a disaster is to prepare an Emergency Kit beforehand. These kits should be stored in an accessible place and kept in a sturdy container so that they can be carried easily. Kits should include:

  • Sturdy leashes, harnesses or carriers to transport pets safely and securely
  • Pet food & water including bowls and perhaps a manual can opener
  • Pet medications and copies of pet medical records in a waterproof container
  • Recent photos of you with your pet
  • Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems and the contact information for your veterinarian
  • Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable

How Do I Become a Firefighter?

Click here to see the recommendations from Triton College from their Fire Science and Emergency Medical Services programs.