Rescue Vehicle Program

The Naperville Fire Department's Rescue Vehicle Program, one of the first of its kind in Illinois, was implemented in 2015 in an effort to more efficiently deliver appropriate resources to non-emergency calls.

The department's rescue vehicles – Rescue 1 and Rescue 2 – are smaller, single-staffed vehicles strategically housed at Fire Station No. 9 on the City's north side and Fire Station No. 10 on the City's south side. As staffing allows, each rescue vehicle is staffed by one firefighter or firefighter/paramedic trained to respond to non-emergency calls, such as carbon monoxide calls where no illness is reported, elevator alarms where no one is trapped, malfunctioning fire alarms and open burning complaints.

Naperville Fire Department responds to an estimated 1,000 non-emergency calls annually. Prior to this program, such calls would have resulted in the dispatch of a large engine or ladder truck with three personnel assigned to it. The Rescue Vehicle Program allows the department to be more efficient with staff, gasoline, and other resources while providing the same level of service to residents.

In addition to non-emergency calls, these vehicles also respond to structure fires, automobile extrications and multiple alarm incidents, which will increase staffing on the scene of these manpower-intensive incidents.

The Department continues to evaluate the program for its ability to reduce maintenance and wear and tear on department vehicles, reduce fuel use, keep fire suppression units available in their districts for emergency calls, and increase public safety by reducing the number of times a suppression unit is put on the street.