Fire Department Chronology 1975-1999

1975

Reference: The Review January 23, 1975 - Sunday Life January 5, 1975

April 4 - A ten-unit apartment complex at 8140 Knox Avenue sustains extensive damage by a fire that starts in the basement. Three firemen are injured battling the blaze. Ten families are left homeless.

Reference: The Sunday Life April 6, 1975

May 28 - The Rust-Oleum plant at 2301 Oakton Street, Evanston, bursts into flames. Extra alarms are called and the Skokie Fire Department responds with several Companies.

Reference: Chicago Tribune May 29, 1975

August 22 - Gas explosion at 8522 Crawford Avenue levels home and kills one woman.

Reference: The News August 28, 1975

August 23 - The Paramedic Service is activated and upgrades the basic life support services.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Log

September 4 - Two Chevrolet modular ambulances are purchased and assigned 'Ambulance Co. #1' and 'Ambulance Co. #3'.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

1976

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Photograph/Skokie Historical Society

January 8 - Bitter cold makes it difficult to fight a blaze at 5250 Mulford Street. The home is nearly gutted.

Reference: The Life January 15, 1976

January 22 - A house burns at 9359 Hamlin Avenue.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Photograph/Skokie Historical Society

March 2 - Sound Unlimited at 7440 Frontage Road explodes into flames and collapses killing the arsonist who torched the building.

Reference: Chicago Tribune March 4, 1976 - The News March 5, 1976

September 22 - Two sisters, ages twelve and eight, are killed when a fire destroys their home at 4440 Kirk Street. Both parents are hospitalized in intensive care due to the blaze.

Reference: The News September 30, 1976

November 24- An extra-alarm fire is spotted by Engine Company #1 while returning from another call. Two stores are gutted in the blaze at 5039 Oakton Street. A fireman suffers smoke inhalation and is transported to the hospital.

Reference: Sun Times November 25, 1976 - The Sunday Life November 28, 1976 - The News December 2, 1976

1977

Reference: The Sunday Life May 6, 1977

June 23 - A five-alarm fire destroys Skokie Lumber Yard's two-story warehouse at 4810 Oakton Street. Several other buildings are threatened. Companies from Evanston, Wilmette, North Maine, Morton Grove, Niles, and Park Ridge assist.

Reference: Chicago Daily News June 23, 1977

June 27 - An extra-alarm fire at the G.D. Searle Pharmaceutical Laboratory destroys hundreds of barrels containing toxic chemicals. The barrels explode and shoot 300 feet in the air. Thousands of gallons of chemicals spill and float in the standing water. Seven firemen are overcome by the fumes and are hospitalized. A water tower that stood 120' tall is exposed to heavy fire. Command is concerned that the tank might collapse. This is probably the largest and most dangerous fire in the history of the Skokie Fire Department since the downtown fire in 1910.

Reference: Chicago Daily News June 27, 1977 - Chicago Daily Tribune June 28, 1977

October - A Pirsch 100' Ladder, diesel engine truck is purchased and is assigned 'Truck Co. #3'.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

1978

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

December 8 - Arson is the cause of an extra-alarm fire at the Old Orchard Shopping Center. The fire is in the basement of the John M. Smyth furniture store. The firemen must wade through waist-high water in the basement to battle the blaze. Over 100 firemen battle the fire for four hours. Ten other stores are damaged.

Reference: Skokie Review January 11, 1980 - Skokie Review December 14, 1979 - Chicago Sun Times December 10, 1979

1979

Reference: Skokie Life March 1, 1979 - The News March 1, 1979

1980

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

1981

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Photograph/Skokie Historical Society

January 28 - A CTA Swift train hits a car at Crawford Avenue. The train derails and takes out the overhead wire supports causing major damage. The victim is extricated from the automobile.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Photograph Archive

December - Boot Day Food Drive is started by Firefighter Norm Lambert to provide food and Christmas presents for the needy.

1982

Reference: Skokie Review September 23, 1982

October 8 - An extra-alarm fire breaks out in the former College Hill School a fire is started by children playing with matches in the mansard roof area. Fire Companies from Evanston and Skokie battle the blaze for three hours as the fire is in the roof area and not easily accessible.

Reference: Skokie Review November 11, 1982

December - The Blue Shirts Association is formed to work with the Village Management in an attempt to improve working conditions and morale in the ranks. The first president is Phil Gust. This is the first step in the formation of the Firefighters Union.

Reference: Skokie Review 12, 1982

1983

Reference: Skokie Review early, 1983

April 21 - The Blue Shirt Association files suit against the Village in a dispute over merit pay and sick leave.

Reference: Skokie Review April 21, 1983

August - The Hamlin Avenue - Station #2 undergoes a $140,000.00 renovation. The Station receives new HVAC, drainage on the apparatus floor, new doors, a new fire pole, carpeting, dropped ceilings, and general painting.

Reference: Unknown newsprint Skokie Fire Department Archives

August 11 - The Blue Shirts Association loses first round of lawsuits against the Village and files an appeal. The Village refuses to recognize the Association.

Reference: Skokie Review 8, 1983

October 17 - An eighty-two-year-old woman dies when her house at 7438 Kilbourn Street explodes from a gas leak. Several neighbors extricate the woman from the rubble but she died a few days later of burns.

Reference: Skokie Review October 22, 1983

November - The Blue Shirt Association files a complaint with the Village about requiring firemen to wear 100% polyester pants for firefighting. Harry Gaynor of the National Burn Victim Foundation states that "You would be crazy to fight a fire in polyester pants." Village Manager Robert Epply once again refuses to recognize the Blue Shirts Association.

Reference: Skokie Review 1983

November 17 - In response to previous complaints, Chief Jerry Burke vows safer pants for the firemen.

Reference: Skokie Review November 17, 1983

December - The first official "Boot Day" takes place. A tombstone is purchased for Sari Hoffman who lost her life in a car accident. Her family could not afford a stone. Seven families are helped in the first year.

1984

Reference: Skokie Review January 19, 1984

June 7 - Paramedics receive a $600 bonus for service. The Village states it will consider private ambulance services in the future.

Reference: Skokie Review June 7, 1984

July 28 - Piccadilly's Restaurant at 3311 Golf Road explodes and is leveled. A gas leak is the cause. Six people are injured in the blast.

Reference: The Tribune July 29, 1984 - Skokie Review August 2, 1984

October - Thomas Quillin is appointed Fire Chief. He holds this position until October 1990.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

November 13 - A mandatory requirement is implemented that all firemen must wear SCBA air masks when fighting fires.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

November 25 - A floral shop at 8031 Ridgeway Avenue is destroyed by an extra-alarm fire causing $300,000.00 in damages.

Reference: The Life November 29, 1984

December 30 - The Byer Museum in Evanston burns. $12.0 million worth of paintings are destroyed. Skokie responds to the extra-alarm fire.

Reference: Sun Times December 31, 1984

1985

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

February 19 - The Skokie Village Board approves the "911" emergency system.

Reference: Skokie Review February 21, 1985

February 22 - Several firemen are injured in an extra-alarm fire at 8907 Keeler Avenue. A gas meter burned off in the basement.

Reference: Skokie Review February 28, 1985

March 16 - Fireman rescue a resident from his second-floor apartment at 7947 - 7951 Lincoln Avenue after a fire is discovered on the first floor resulting in $40,000 in damage.

Reference: Unknown newsprint March 16, 1985/Skokie Fire Department Archives

March 31 - Fire breaks out for a second time at 7947 Lincoln Avenue.

Reference: Unknown newsprint March 16, 1985/Skokie Fire Department Archives

July - Red Center Dispatch (Regional Emergency Dispatch) is proposed for Skokie and is rejected the following month.

Reference: Skokie Review August 5, 1985 - Skokie Review August 1, 1985 - Skokie Review July 1985

September - Skokie's Emergency 911 system becomes operational.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

November - The Illinois General Assembly approves the unionization of Fire Fighters and Police.

Reference: Skokie Review November 14, 1985

December - Skokie assists Glenview at an extra-alarm fire at a vacant supermarket. Fire Companies from Morton Grove, Glenbrook, Niles, and North Maine also assist at the fire.

Reference: Unknown newsprint December, 1985 / Skokie Fire Department Archives

December - Firemen accuse Village of having a poor maintenance program for fire apparatus. Over a five-day period, Skokie has no ladder trucks in service.

Reference: Skokie Review December, 1985

1986

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

February 12 - Skokie Fire Department reports on the possibility of providing fire protection to Lincolnwood.

Reference: Skokie Life May 1, 1986 - Skokie Review May 1, 1986

March - Elster Food, located at 6231 Dempster Street in Morton Grove, is destroyed by an extra-alarm fire. Nine towns assist.

Reference: David Lasker photograph March 1986

May - Skokie Village Trustees discuss the restoration of the Engine House on Floral Avenue.

Reference: Skokie Life May, 1986 - Skokie Review May 1986

May 15 - Skokie and Morton Grove work for thirty minutes to extricate the driver of a semi-trailer truck that hits a pole on Edens Highway at Dempster Street.

Reference: David Lasker Photograph - Unknown Newsprint May 1986 Skokie Fire Department Archives

September 12 - The Fire Alarm Board is moved from Niles Center Road - Station #1 to the Police Station.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Log Books

September - Fireman Bruce Wimer wins third place in the Illinois Fire Service - Toughest Competition Alive. He breaks the international record for the 100-yard swim. He is sponsored by Local #3033 Skokie Firefighters Union.

Reference: Unknown newsprint September 1986/Skokie Fire Department Archives

October 14 - Randolph Packing, located at 7625 Austin Avenue, is damaged by an arson fire resulting in $75,000 in damages.

Reference: Unknown newsprint October 1986/Skokie Fire Department Archives

October 28 - Responding to a call, Lt. Alan Schullo is thrown from a fire engine when making a turn and Lt. Schullo is knocked unconscious. The door latch malfunctioned. The Local #3033 Skokie Firefighters Union charges the Village with poor maintenance and sends letters of concern to all of the village officials.

Reference: Skokie Life November 1986

The Skokie Fire Department responds to 4,602 calls during the year.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

1987

Reference: ISO Report

NOTE: The Insurance Services Organization (ISO) was established in 1971 to absorb numerous smaller fire rating services into one organization. The Cook County Inspection Bureau was one of the small rating services that was incorporated into ISO. ISO also uses the same number rating system, Class 1 is the highest rating and Class 10 is the lowest rating.

July 1 - An apartment fire at 4837 Kirk Street causes $90,000 in damages.

Reference: The Life July 9, 1987

December 23 - American Louver at 7700 Austin sustains $100,000 in damages from a flash fire.

Reference: Skokie Review December 23, 1987

The Skokie Fire Department responds to 5,738 calls during the year.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

1988

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

February 24 - Local #3033 Skokie Firefighters Union and the Village agree to the first union contract and the firemen receive a 4.5% raise.

Reference: Skokie Review February 1988

March 18 - A major blast and fire rocks the William Adhesives chemical factory at 8220 Kimball Avenue. The extra-alarm fire could be seen from downtown Chicago. Two Firemen are injured in the blaze.

Reference: Skokie Review March 24, 1988 - Skokie Life March 24, 1988

March 21 - An electrical worker is trapped in a ditch at Pratt Avenue and Crawford Avenue in Lincolnwood. Squad Co. # 18 responds and is assisted by a Chicago Company in rescuing the victim.

Reference: Skokie Review March 24, 1988

May - The Village approves the use of 'KNOX BOX ® Rapid Entry System'.

Reference: Skokie Review May 1988

NOTE: A high-security 'Knox Box' is purchased by the property owner and mounted on the wall near the building entrance. The 'Knox Box' stores entrance keys or access cards. The local fire department controls the master key. This system prevents forced entry to commercial or residential property in the event the property owner cannot be reached.

July 1 - Illinois law requires smoke detectors in all homes and apartments.

Reference: Skokie Review July 1988

September 22 - An extra-alarm fire in Niles at 7106 - 7108 Touhy Avenue requires eight departments to battle the blaze.

Reference: Niles Herald September 22, 1988

The Skokie Fire Department responds to 6,000 calls during the year and an estimated $700,000 in fire loss.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

1989

Reference: Morton Grove Champion February 2, 1989 - Skokie Life February 2, 1989

February 16 - Two stores are destroyed in an early morning fire at 3455 - 3457 Dempster Street. When firemen arrive the flames are through the roof.

Reference: Skokie Review February 16, 1989

March 10 - An extra-alarm fire destroys the Bungalow Bar in Niles at 7420 Milwaukee Avenue. Fire Companies from Skokie, Niles, Morton Grove, Park Ridge, and Glenbrook battle the blaze.

Reference: Life March 16, 1989

April 1 at 02:00 Hours - All Fire Department apparatus and stations are renumbered to reflect MABAS Division #3 System:

• Niles Center Road - Station #1 becomes Niles Center Road - Station #16
• Hamlin Avenue - Station #2 becomes Hamlin Avenue - Station #17
• Gross Point Road - Station #3 becomes Gross Point Road - Station #18

Reference: Skokie Fire Department - Special Order #495

NOTE: MABAS stands for Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, Skokie is included in the North Shore Division #3. The MABAS System is the organization of hundreds of fire departments in Illinois and surrounding states. MABAS provides swift, standardized, and effective methods of mutual aid assistance for extra-alarm fires and mass casualty incidents.

May 25 - An extra-alarm fire guts second-floor offices above the Bronx Cleaners and Laundry located at 8950 Niles Center Road. There is a delay in notification due to burned telephone lines. One fireman is injured.

Reference: Skokie Review June 1, 1989 - Skokie Life June 1, 1989

June 2 - A small kitchen fire breaks out in the Hughes home at 8006 Kostner Avenue. This is the home where Fireman Hughes lost his wife and two children in a fire 31 years prior.

Reference: Skokie Life June 8, 1989

June 11 - An extra-alarm fire in Evanston at 1924 Asbury Avenue calls out Engine Co. #18 and Truck Co. #18 to the scene. One home is completely destroyed and another is damaged. Arson is ruled the cause.

Reference: Evanston Review June 15, 1989 - Chicago Tribune June 12, 1989

June 13 - The Skokie Fire Department is called out to investigate the smell of gasoline in the basement at 5042 Fitch Avenue and discovers 8,000 gallons of fuel leaking from a gas station nearby into several homes. The Fire Department begins a round-the-clock monitoring cycle of the area for months.

Reference: Skokie Review June 1989

July - An extra-alarm fire in Glencoe calls out Engine Co. #18 to battle the blaze. The entire historic strip mall is lost. A picture of Engine Co. #18 pumping at this fire became the front cover of a Pierce Truck Company advertisement.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Archives

August 1 - Retiring Deputy Fire Chief Thomas C. Allenspach becomes Buffalo Grove's Fire Chief.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Archives

August 2 - Arson is the cause of a fire at 3919 Oakton Avenue. Scuba Systems is damaged in the early morning fire.

Reference: Unknown newsprint Skokie Fire Department Archives August 2, 1989

Winter - Fire destroys a historic mansion on the lakefront in Glencoe. Engine Co. #18 responds and pumps water for hours.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Archive Photograph

December 11 - An extra-alarm fire destroys Happy Foods at 4616 Oakton Street for the second time. The first fire occurred nearly 24 years earlier.

Reference: Skokie Review December 14, 1989 - Chicago Sun - Times December 12, 1989

December 23 - An elderly couple dies in a fire at their home at 8745b Keeler Avenue. The two-alarm fire guts the home and collapses the second floor. Firemen make several attempts to rescue the couple but are driven back by the fire.

Reference: Chicago Sun - Times December 24, 1989

The Skokie Fire Department responds to 6,205 calls during the year and an estimated $2,277,000 in fire loss.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

1990

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

February - A large air compressor explodes killing one man and severely damaging the interior of the cleaners located at 3919 Howard Street. Firemen are required to use ladders to remove the patient from the basement because the stairs are destroyed in the blast.

Reference: Skokie Life February 1990

April 5 - The Hurst Tool (Jaws of Life) is severely damaged when Squad Co. #18's door opens and the tool falls out onto the street.

Reference: Skokie Life April 5, 1990

July 20 - Lt. Terry P. Mastandrea resigns and becomes the Chief of Lake Zurich, Illinois.

Reference: Daily Herald July 1990

October 20 - Fire Chief Thomas Quillin resigns to accept the Chief position in Tallahassee, Florida.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

The Skokie Fire Department responds to 5,420 calls during the year and an estimated $1,500,000 in fire loss.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

1991

Reference: Skokie Review January 10, 1991

January 15 - Reserve Ambulance #18R is placed in service at Hamlin Avenue - Station #17 due to the Iraq war. Firemen nickname it the 'Scud Ambulance'.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Log Books

February 7 - Ambulance Co. #17 is taken out of service due to the end of the Iraq war.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Log Books

March 16 - A two-story office building at 5225 - 5227 Touhy Avenue is damaged by an extra-alarm fire that started in the basement elevator room. Due to the intense heat from burning oil, the firemen work in shifts to battle the blaze.

Reference: Skokie Review March 21, 1991

April - Paramedics and firemen work aggressively to save the life of a Skokie garbage truck driver who is fatally injured attempting to stop a run-away garbage truck.

Reference: Skokie Review April 16, 1991

May 14 - James Eaves, the first African-American department head, is appointed Fire Chief.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

May - Gross Point Road - Station #18 is damaged when a door on Truck #18 hits the front of the station and severely damages the garage doors and surrounding structure. Repairs, at a cost of $20,000, are made. Larger doors are installed.

Reference: Unknown newsprint Skokie Fire Department Archives August 8, 1991

May 31 - A three-alarm fire destroys most of a large factor at 5115 Suffield Terrace. Firefighters are called for smoke in the area and find E.H. Gustafson Co. totally consumed by fire. Nine towns assist at the blaze. A picture of Truck Co. #18 at the fire made the cover of a Pierce Aerial truck advertisement.

Reference: Skokie Review June 7, 1991 - Skokie Life June 7, 1991 - Chicago Sun Times June 1, 1991

July 5 - Arson is ruled the cause of second alarm fire in Evanston at 1008 and 1006 Foster. Engine Co. #17 and Truck Co. #18 are requested to assist. Two apartment buildings are severely damaged in the blaze.

Reference: Evanston Review July 11, 1991

The Skokie Fire Department responds to 5,389 calls during the year and an estimated $4,200,000 in fire loss.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

1992

Reference: Skokie Review January 23, 1992

August 25 - A fireman is stricken with chest pains fighting a fire at 8401 Crawford Avenue. The fire is on the second floor of an office building.

Reference: Unknown newsprint Skokie Fire Department Archives September 1992

September 9 - A house fire at 8159 Kilpatrick Street causes $180,000 in damages.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Log Book

September 22 - A residential fire at 8234 Kilpatrick Street causes $25,000 in damages.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Log Book

November 2 - Truck Co.#16 rescues at least ten people at an extra-alarm fire from the fourth-story windows of the Bank of Lincolnwood building at Lincoln Avenue and Touhy Avenue. Engine Co.#16 lead out up three floors to the seat of the fire. Squad Co.#18 performs search and rescue on the fire floor. Truck Co.#16 receives Lifesaving Awards.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

November 29 - A residential fire at 5140 Fitch Street causes $30,000 in damages.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Log Book

December 19 - A residential fire at 8122 Keeler Street causes $70,000 in damages.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Log Book

The Skokie Fire Department responds to 5,455 calls and an estimated $890,000 in fire loss.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Log Book

1993

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

April 2 - A factory fire at 7501 St. Louis Avenue causes $60,000 in damages.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Annual Report

April 7 - Fire breaks out in the basement of a home at 9514 Lawndale Street and burns the gas meter. Gas pours into the basement at 40 psi. Fire Companies work for over an hour to control the blaze.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Annual Report

September 29 - A house fire at 3724 Arcadia Street causes $30,000 in damages.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Annual Report

October 1 - A house fire at 3360 Greenleaf Avenue causes $40,000 in damages.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Annual Report

November 30 - A house fire at 9338 Keeler Avenue causes $70,000 in damages.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Annual Report

The Skokie Fire Department responds to 5,805 calls and an estimated $450,000 in fire loss.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Log Book

1994

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

February 7 - A fire breaks out in a home at 3740 Main Street causing $20,000 in damages.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Annual Report

April 15 - An early morning box alarm fire in a third-floor apartment at 8939 Skokie Boulevard causes $70,000 in damages. Before the fire company arrives, a backdraft is caused by the fire and many residents evacuate the building.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Log Book

August 10 - A box alarm fire at 5150 Church Street damages an old Commonwealth Edison building that is being used by a boat repair shop.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Log Book

September 10 - A fire at American Louver at 7800 Austin Avenue in Morton Grove causes $43,000 in damages.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Log Book

November 23 - A fire breaks out in the basement storage area of an apartment building at 8840 Lavergne Street causing $100,000 in damages. Engine Co. #18 lead-out hoses from the front door, through the building, and down the rear stairs to the fire.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Log Book

December 12 - A residential fire at 8219 Hamlin Avenue causes $25,000 in damages.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Annual Report

The Skokie Fire Department responds to 6,287 calls and an estimated $580,000 in fire loss.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Log Book

1995

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

Firemen modify an electric golf cart into a miniature replica of an antique steamer fire truck. This cart is called "Sparky".

February 27 - A fire causes $100,000 in damages at a store located at 8046 Central Park.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Log Book

April 2 - A residential fire at 3321 Greenleaf Street causes $150,000 in damages.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Log Book

April 25 - Fire breaks out in a four-unit townhome at 10015 Frontage Road causing $75,000 in damages.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Log Book

May 15 - A residential fire causes $25,000 in damages at 8051 Hamlin Avenue.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Log Book

August 7 - A residential fire causes $50,000 in damages at 3865 Fargo Street.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Log Book

September 1 - The Insurance Services Organization (ISO) elevates the Skokie Fire Department to Class 1.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

November 8 - A fire causes $100,000 in damages at a store located at 3301 Lyons Drive.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Log Book

February 27 - The Skokie Fire Department responds to 7,024 calls and an estimate of $690,000 in fire loss.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Log Book

1996

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

November 14 - An extra-alarm fire on Nordic Drive in Niles calls out Engine Co. #16 and Tower Co. #16 for water tower operations.

Reference: Skokie Review November 21, 1996

November 15 - An extra-alarm blaze requires eight fire departments and eighty firemen to battle a blaze at Klein Tool Company, 7200 McCormick Boulevard. The fire collapses the roof in the center of the factory causing at least $500,000.00 in damage. Fireman Edward Liekus is knocked unconscious in the fire and is transported to the hospital.

Reference: Skokie Review November 21, 1996

November 17 - An extra-alarm fire destroys a large 20-unit condo complex in Evanston at 808 Judson. Tower Co. #16 is credited with saving several other buildings to the north. Six other companies assist including Engine Co. #17.

Reference: Chicago Sun Times November 18, 1996

November 28 - The 5,000,000 gallon water tank behind Niles Center Road - Station #16 over-flows during the night sending hundreds of thousands of gallons of water into the basement of the fire station. The flood fills the basement to a depth of four feet and courses through the apparatus floor and into Niles Center Road.

Reference: Skokie Review December 5, 1996

1997

Reference: Skokie Review January 23, 1997 - The Life January 23, 1997

February 12 - An apartment fire at 4636 Davis Street claims the life of an 83-year-old woman.

Reference: Skokie Review February 1997

April - A Pierce Pumper with a 2000 gallons per minute capacity, 500 gallon tank is purchased and assigned 'Engine Co. #17'.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

July 16 - Four families are left homeless when fire damages their apartment building on the 4800 block of Hull Street.

Reference: Skokie Review July 17, 1997

November 25 - A semi-trailer truck containing 43 cattle overturns on the Edens Expressway near Golf Road. Firefighters attempt to herd the cattle and extricate a few others. The cattle are found as far away as the Old Orchard Shopping Center.

Reference: Chicago Tribune November 26, 1997

1998

Reference: The Life February 26, 1998

March 11 - Engine #18 is repainted white over red.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Archives

April 24 - Truck #18 is repainted white over red.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

July - Deputy Chief Peter G. Wilms retires and is appointed chief of Westerville, Ohio.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

August 2 - A blaze damages a home at 9140 East Prairie Road.

Reference: Skokie Review 8, 1998

August 5 - The Howard Shirt and Laundry at 3919 Howard Street is severely damaged by fire. This is the second time the building has burned in the last ten years.

Reference: Skokie Review August, 1998

October 15 - Skokie Fire Department Chaplain Father Matthew McDonald retires after a long career in Chicago and Skokie.

Reference: The Life October 15, 1998

November 21 - Engine #16 is repainted white over red.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Archives

1999

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records

August - An International / Taylor ambulance is purchased and assigned 'Ambulance Co. #18'.

Reference: Skokie Fire Department Records