Calumet City Fire Dept. Training Division

06/19/2026

Today we recognize Juneteenth, a day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and an important part of our nation’s history.

The fire service is built on service to others. Understanding the history, experiences, and communities we serve helps us become better firefighters, officers, instructors, and public servants.

As professionals committed to lifelong learning, we encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the significance of this day and the impact it continues to have on our communities.

Happy Juneteenth.

Today, we join our community in celebrating Juneteenth, a day that marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrates freedom, perseverance, and hope.

Juneteenth reminds us that the story of our nation is one of continual progress, built by generations of people working toward a more perfect union. It is a time to honor those who endured, celebrate the present, and look forward to a future grounded in mutual respect and opportunity for all.

The Calumet City Fire Department is honored to serve our community every day and wishes everyone a safe and meaningful Juneteenth.

06/12/2026

SPECIALTY TRAINING: MONTHLY CART DRILL

Members of CART Grey Team from MABAS Divisions 24 and 27 gathered Monday for their monthly technical rescue drill, working through a structural collapse scenario involving severe weather damage and a compromised structure.

Rescue Captain Aaron Borowski served as Scenario Command while Rescue Firefighters Tim Piepenbrink, Cesar Garcia, Bryan Lowery, and Marissa Peterson participated in rescue operations, structural stabilization, hazard mitigation, and victim access.

The scenario required rescuers to stabilize damaged structural components before conducting operations within the collapse zone. Personnel utilized specialized stabilization equipment, including Paratech Gold Series struts, to rapidly secure compromised areas and create a safer environment for rescue operations.

For many of our members, the drill provided valuable hands-on experience with equipment commonly found throughout the technical rescue community and demonstrated how modern stabilization systems can enhance operational capabilities in complex collapse environments.

The timing of the exercise proved especially relevant, as communities throughout our region would face real-world storm damage just days later. Training for these low-frequency, high-risk incidents ensures rescue personnel remain ready when called upon.

Great work by all CART members - your dedication does not go unnoticed.

06/11/2026

WEEKLY COMPANY TRAINING – WATER RESCUE OPERATIONS

CCFD members participated in water rescue training this week, emphasizing victim rescue techniques, flotation device deployment, and emergency operations in and around the water.

Our crews practiced through multiple scenarios designed to strengthen the skills needed to safely and effectively rescue victims when every second counts.

A special thank you to the Calumet Memorial Park District and the Sandridge Fitness Center for allowing us to use their facilities and for their ongoing support of public safety training.

05/15/2026

Coming to the drill yard this JULY!!!

HUGE CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT!!! Tradesman Fire and Soda City are coming to Calumet City to put on their Force Entry Physics 2 day class. This class is one of the best force entry classes out there! Get signed up immediately cause these spots will go. YOU DONT WANT TO MISS THIS ONE!!! 🤙🏻💪🏻🇺🇸

05/15/2026

CART GREY was in Alsip this week getting hands on Heavy Collapse Concrete Breaching.

Its work in these specialty disciplines that highlight the commitment to public safety MABAS 24 & 27 are providing our cities.

Featured here is Captain Aaron Borowski and Engineer Tim Piepenbrink putting in some saw work.

04/12/2026

Last Saturday we hosted the Merrionette Park Fire Academy for a live fire day.

We gotta tell ya…this isn’t your typical Fire Academy…all hands on deck and full throttle on reps.

Nice job guys.

04/12/2026

RECRUIT SCHOOL - DAY 9

Students got their hands in the Training Divisions Weekly Company Training conducting RTF drills.

Most of these new hires come with limited street experience and we couldn’t miss the opportunity to immerse them in this type of fast pace trauma care.

04/12/2026

WEEKLY COMPANY TRAINING - RESCUE TASK FORCE JOINT PD & FD DRILL

The CCFD and CCPD worked together last week, conducting RTF training at Hoover Elementary School.

Our on- and off-duty crews trained on multiple evolutions of what we consider our highest priority risk demographic: children endangered by an active shooter.

Police and Fire service have taken account of all the tragedies that have occurred nationwide and are committed to immediately stopping threats and expediting treatment of victims of these senseless acts of violence.

Great work this week.

04/12/2026

RECRUIT SCHOOL - DAY 8

Engine Company Operations.

When you went to BOF school…how many times did you flow water, stretch lines, and make pushes?

We aren’t talking about a live fire sesh where an instructor with cool sunglasses berated you because you couldn’t move 2-1/2” hose after just putting your hands on that line for the first time hours before.

We are learning water dynamics, the art of stretching hose lines, the body mechanics needed to control reaction force, and the team work necessary to build a proper hose team.

All of this in depth before live fire.

Why?

Because firefighting isn’t mindless.

Heart and courage yes.

But a good firefighter is a thinking firefighter and you gotta know…our kids are getting good.

“I’d rather be tired and getting good at moving hose than getting good at doing push-ups”.