The Fire Prevention Bureau's Goal is, as always, to provided a safe environment for the residents and employees in which to live and work. The Bureau means to achieve these goals are through inspections and public education.

The Bureau is staffed with five Franklin Park Firefighters working on a part-time basis on their days off. The Bureau is manned every day that the Village is open excluding Saturdays. Each inspector is certified through the State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) as a fire inspector and for plan review of fire systems. Each inspector is responsible for the day following his respective duty day. They handle all fire inspections, complaints, evacuation drills, tank installations or removals, etc. for that day.

Yearly, the fire department is responsible for over 1200 inspections. The Bureau tries to inspect all commercial property at least once a year. The on duty fire companies are responsible for the majority of buildings under 10,000 square feet and are considered ordinary hazards. These buildings were inspected once in spring and a second time in fall to assure compliance. The in-service inspections started more than 14 years ago. During those years, more than 10,000 inspections have been performed.

Many progressive fire departments already have similar ordinance in place. Sample ordinances can be provided. All new buildings are required to direct connect and provide a Knox Box now. The existing buildings will be given ample time to comply. These ordinances are no cost for the Village and minimum cost to the property owner. The cost for a Knox Box is $200, the truss sign approximately ten dollars each and the direct connect about eighty dollars a month. A public information program could be set up to explain to the business community the need for such ordinances and how to comply

Franklin Park is one of the largest industrial communities in the State. The potential hazards within the Village are real concern for emergency personnel and to the general public. Some of the businesses are an accident waiting to happen. The Bureau must be able to inspect all of these potentially hazardous businesses on a regular basis. With the continued cooperation and support from the Village and Chief Traiforos, the Bureau will continue to provide a safe environment to live and work in within the Village of Franklin Park.

To learn more about fire prevention and code enforcement, contact the FPFD via email at fireprevention@vofp.com.