Fire chief reports 105 calls in April and a jump in firefighter applicants

The Monmouth Fire Chief briefed the council on April operations and staffing. The chief opened by correcting the numbers distributed in meeting materials, saying the department had 105 calls in April (not 112), bringing the year‑to‑date total to 383 calls.

The chief reported that probationary firefighters Donovan Reed and Ben Ketchum graduated from the Illinois Fire Service Institute programs (basic operations and advanced technician firefighter academy) and completed vehicle extrication and hazmat operations training. The chief said both will begin EMT training in a few weeks before being counted toward manpower.

On recruitment, the chief said the department received 20 applications for entry‑level firefighter testing; 17 candidates showed up to test and 13 will be placed on the eligibility list for the next two years. The department also referenced ongoing promotional testing and work by the police and fire commission.

The chief closed noting continued public education outreach to schools and that the department has been busy with training and testing, without requesting council action.