Mendota Mutual and Mendota Fire Dept Rep. L-R: Kent Butterfield, Jack Robison, Assistant Chief Egge, Deb Geuther, John Elston and Mark Atherton.

This marks the thirteenth year that IAMIC has recognized an Illinois Fire Department for their contributions to their communities. The award was established in 2000 because of the importance of fire departments in preserving life and property in our local communities.

The 2012 recipient of the Fire Department of the Year award embodies all that we value in our fire departments – courageousness, determination and dedication. It is with great pleasure therefore that we present the 2012 Fire Department of the Year award to the Mendota Fire Department.

The Mendota department responds to all fire, medical, and rescue calls for the community of Mendota, and also provides contractual response for the Mendota-Troy Grove Rural Fire Protection District. The fire protection district is approximately 130 square miles. They also provide emergency intercept's for incoming ambulances for several small area communities, providing higher level of care to patient prior to arrival at the hospital.

The members of the department consist of six (6) full-time career staff, which are on two ­man duty shifts 24 hours. The career staff are cross trained as Illinois Certified Firefighter/E.M.T.P's {paramedics) and respond immediately to fire and emergency medical calls. There are also approximately 28 paid-on-call personnel, which are alerted via radio/pages and respond with additional equipment to assist in firefighting and/or medical care.

The Mendota Fire Department is a member of the Illinois Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Division 25, which includes all of LaSalle County (second largest in Illinois) as well as part of Bureau County. This mutual aid association gives the Mendota Fire Department a vast number of available resources for fire, medical, and specialized rescue responses.

The Mendota Fire Department staffs two engines {2-12,500 gpm pump), one heavy rescue unit one brush unit, one 3,000 gallon tanker, one ALS (paramedic) ambulance, two BLS ambulances, one' utility suburban/squad, and one chief's car. The City of Mendota has a Class 5 ISO Fire Insurance Rating.

On June 5, 2010 they were called for mutual aid to Streator, IL to assist in search, rescue and treatment of tornado victims. They were on the scene quickly with personnel to help a nearby community at a tragic time.

The Mendota Fire Department has responded to two Mendota Mutual Ins. Co. customer fires this year and has saved Mendota Mutual Ins. Co. and their policyholders thousands of dollars.

As active as they are brave and committed, Mendota Fire Department is a model for the many fire departments in our state. The dedication and determination that this department has diligently put toward the betterment and safety of their community earns them badges of honor with every service call and it is with great honor that the Illinois Association of Mutual Insurance Companies recognized the Mendota Fire Department with this award.

To nominate your company for the Fire Department of the Year Award, click here.