07/15/2026
Today we celebrate 70 years of service for the Reading Fire Department. Since July 14, 1956, Reading FD has proudly served Streator and the surrounding communities. For seven decades, our volunteers have responded to structure fires, vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, and countless other calls always committed to keeping our community safe.
The department’s story began in 1956, and while much has changed, our dedication has never wavered. Equipment has evolved, tactics have improved, and training has advanced but the dangers have also grown. Decades ago, homes were filled with natural materials like real wood and cotton. Today’s synthetic plastics burn hotter, faster, and release far more toxic gases, making modern firefighting more challenging than ever.
Reading FD is an all-volunteer department, and our firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics balance emergency response with full-time jobs, families, and everyday life. Not every firefighter can respond to every call, which is why our partnership with Cornell and Long Point Fire Departments is so vital. Through Auto-Aid, all three departments respond together to structure and field fires in any of our districts, ensuring that our communities receive fast, reliable, and unified protection.
For 70 years, Reading Fire Department has stood ready, day or night, rain or shine driven by the same commitment that started it all: neighbors helping neighbors.
