Check out the latest galleries! Check out photos from 2006 & 2007 Click here for information on how to purchase prints from Elginet Photos! Have a question? A Comment on a photo? Feel free to email me by clicking here!Check here often for updates on events and fundraisers!

Dan Proft for Illinois Governor in 2010!

2008 News-Media Archives Galleries

East Dundee Dec. 31, 2008 - Pole Barn Fire Landscaping Company : Unknown what started this fire at Down to Earth Landscaping on Old Sutton Rd. in Barrington Hills.

East Dundee Dec. 31, 2008 - Pole Barn Fire Landscaping Company

Unknown what started this fire at Down to Earth Landscaping on Old Sut ...

Updated: Dec 31, 2008 10:46pm PST

Elgin FD Dec. 17, 2008 - Garage/Vehicle fire : A Vehicle fire in a vehicle inside of a detached garage pretty much destroyed the vehicle, but the garage help up pretty good.

Elgin FD Dec. 17, 2008 - Garage/Vehicle fire

A Vehicle fire in a vehicle inside of a detached garage pretty much de ...

Updated: Dec 17, 2008 1:48pm PST

Elgin Fire Dept. Dec 16, 2008 - Attic fire, 1692 Shefield Dr. : Residential fire appeared to have started in the attic but was control pretty fast. No one was injured in the fire and the amount of damage is unknown.

Elgin Fire Dept. Dec 16, 2008 - Attic fire, 1692 Shefield Dr.

Residential fire appeared to have started in the attic but was control ...

Updated: Dec 16, 2008 9:15pm PST

Elgin Fire Dept. Dec. 10, 2008 - Head-on crash on I90 car vs. semi : A Mercury Montego eastbound on I90, crossed the median and crashed head-on into a westbound semi which resulted in the westbound lanes of I90 being shut down for about 30 minutes. The driver of the Montego was injured but EFD was able to get him out of the vehicle without extrication and was transported to St. Joes with non-life-threatening injuries. There were apparently 5-6 vehicles total involved in this crash and 5 people injured total with only 1 actually being transported. (unbelievable!)

Elgin Fire Dept. Dec. 10, 2008 - Head-on crash on I90 car vs. semi

A Mercury Montego eastbound on I90, crossed the median and crashed hea ...

Updated: Dec 10, 2008 1:57pm PST

(1 year ago today) In Memorium for fallen Carpentersville Firefighter Lt. Robert Guetschow : (Taken from the Daily Herald on December 6, 2007) A veteran Carpentersville fire lieutenant who died Thursday of an apparent heart attack will be remembered for his dedication and dependability, friends and relatives said Friday. Lt. Robert Guetschow, 43, died at Sherman Hospital in Elgin after Carpentersville fire emergency medical technicians responded to a call to his home Thursday morning. Guetschow, who retired in June from the department, spent 12 years as a part-time firefighter before attaining full-time status as a firefighter and paramedic in 1995. "He was definitely very dedicated to his job and he loved what he was doing," said Guetschow's older brother, Steve, who serves as fire chief for the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Department. "He cared about doing the right thing." Carpentersville Fire Chief John Schuldt said Guetschow was always looking out for those around him. "I think his whole goal was to make a difference and help people out of a bad situation," Schuldt said. "He was always there to help." Schuldt said Guetschow's death had hit the department hard, particularly those who responded to the call. "We will get through this as one large family and that is how Robert would have wanted it," Schuldt said. "This is our second family." The 1982 graduate of Dundee High School leaves behind his wife, Kim, and their two sons, Christopher and Zachary. Memorials may be made to the Christopher and Zachary Guetschow Education Fund, c/o Chase Bank, 21 S. Western Ave., Carpentersville, IL 60110. For details, call (847) 426-3436. ==================================================================== Mine, and my family's condolences go out to the Guetschow family. 43 is way too young to lose a spouse, parent or friend. I actually met Bob exactly 1 time, but did manage to get a few pictures of him. If you have pictures you too would like to share in this gallery, please email them to me at photos@elginet.com.

(1 year ago today) In Memorium for fallen Carpentersville Firefighter Lt. Robert Guetschow

(Taken from the Daily Herald on December 6, 2007) A veteran Carpent ...

Updated: Dec 06, 2008 10:06am PST

Elgin Firefighter Local Helps Restock Salvation Army Shelves : Elgin Firefighter's Local 439 help restock the local Salvation Army Food Shelves yesterday by delivering $1500.00 of food to the Elgin facility. Firefighters with other volunteers then unloaded a Firetruck load, a full van, and 2 trucks worth of food to the shelter's basement and then to the storage area.

Elgin Firefighter Local Helps Restock Salvation Army Shelves

Elgin Firefighter's Local 439 help restock the local Salvation Army Fo ...

Updated: Dec 05, 2008 8:54pm PST

South Elgin Box Alarm Dec. 05, 2007 - South Randall Rd. - L. A. Fitness Center : Workers accidentally ignited some foam insulation with a torch that set the roof ablaze at the new L.A. Fitness Center being constructed next door to Target on Randall Rd. No one was injured but fire crews were unable to get inside the building because of the danger of the roof collapsing because of the weight of the water from trying to extinguish the fire. South Elgin was assisted by Elgin, Pingree Grove and Geneva Fire Departments with the fire.

South Elgin Box Alarm Dec. 05, 2007 - South Randall Rd. - L. A. Fitness Center

Workers accidentally ignited some foam insulation with a torch that se ...

Updated: Dec 05, 2008 1:24pm PST

Carpentersville Nov. 28, 2008 - Single vehicle crash. : The occupants of this vehicle somehow miraculously escaped injury when avoiding a deer on Rt. 68 in Barrington Hills according to FD personnel. It's amazing what people walk away from today.

Carpentersville Nov. 28, 2008 - Single vehicle crash.

The occupants of this vehicle somehow miraculously escaped injury when ...

Updated: Nov 28, 2008 9:56am PST

Elgin Nov. 27, 2008 - Residential Fire 65 S. Belmont : What started as a small fire, ended up doing substantial damage to this single-story home on Elgin's west side. The fire only took about 20 minutes to extinguish but there was a lot of smoke damage.

Elgin Nov. 27, 2008 - Residential Fire 65 S. Belmont

What started as a small fire, ended up doing substantial damage to thi ...

Updated: Nov 27, 2008 11:12am PST

Streamwood HazMat Nov. 11, 2008 Truck leaking corrosives at High School.. : A 20' box truck pulled into the parking lot at Streamwood High School to make a delivery when it was discovered that it was leaking something corrosive. A HazMat Box Alarm was called out and it was discovered to be Chlorine to be leaking. Apparently the truck was leaking it all the way from Rt. 72 according to someone at the scene. No one was injured and kids were off of school today for Veteran's Day.

Streamwood HazMat Nov. 11, 2008 Truck leaking corrosives at High School..

A 20' box truck pulled into the parking lot at Streamwood High School ...

Updated: Nov 11, 2008 12:43pm PST

Rutland-Dundee Nov. 8, 2008 - Vehicle crash Boncosky and McLean : Someone failed to negotiate the turn on Sleepy Hollow Rd at Boncosky. One person was found laying in the street while another was talking to firefighters and police. It was unsure who the injured person was.

Rutland-Dundee Nov. 8, 2008 - Vehicle crash Boncosky and McLean

Someone failed to negotiate the turn on Sleepy Hollow Rd at Boncosky. ...

Updated: Nov 08, 2008 7:03pm PST

Itasca Oct. 29, 2008 - Semi rolls over on Elgin-O'Hare : Semi dumped its load of steel when rolling over on the Elgin-O'Hare eastbound just after the Meacham Rd. entrance ramp. According to FD, no one was injured and the driver was out and walking around upon their arrival. Traffic quickly backed up for miles on the eastbound side of the Elgin-O'Hare.

Itasca Oct. 29, 2008 - Semi rolls over on Elgin-O'Hare

Semi dumped its load of steel when rolling over on the Elgin-O'Hare ea ...

Updated: Oct 29, 2008 6:42pm PST

Rutland-Dundee FPD Open House - Oct. 25, 2008 :

Rutland-Dundee FPD Open House - Oct. 25, 2008

Updated: Oct 25, 2008 5:40pm PST

Carpentersville Fire Department Open House - Oct 25, 2008 :

Carpentersville Fire Department Open House - Oct 25, 2008

Updated: Oct 25, 2008 5:34pm PST

Algonquin Oct. 24, 2008 - 2-Alarm Fire Destroys Home : Lake in the Hills Battalion Chief John Greene reported to the Courier News that the fire appeared to have been cause by the preliminary disposal of smoking materials outside on the deck area. The fire appears to have started on the deck and spread through the house rather quickly. Departments assisting ALFD were Carpentersville, West Dundee, East Dundee, Rutland, Elgin, Hoffman Estates, Cary, Crystal Lake, Marengo, Hampshire, Huntley and Pingree Grove. (If I left anyone out.......please let me know!) No one was injured in the fire.

Algonquin Oct. 24, 2008 - 2-Alarm Fire Destroys Home

Lake in the Hills Battalion Chief John Greene reported to the Courier ...

Updated: Oct 24, 2008 9:17pm PST

Welcome Home PGFPD USAF SrA Brad Cox :

Welcome Home PGFPD USAF SrA Brad Cox

Updated: Oct 24, 2008 9:17pm PST

Elgin Oct. 23, 2008 - Playground set fire : Someone set fire to playground equipment this afternoon on Joslyn near Waverly on the east side of Elgin late this afternoon. Luckily no children were injured but the smoke and flames from the fire could be seen from miles away on the west side. Now....you just have to ask "why?"

Elgin Oct. 23, 2008 - Playground set fire

Someone set fire to playground equipment this afternoon on Joslyn near ...

Updated: Oct 23, 2008 3:58pm PST

Elgin Oct. 23, 2008 - Residential Fire 859 St. Charles St. : A fire of unknown origin started in a home on Elgin's SE side burning one woman and injuring a little girl. The woman was transported to Loyola Medical Center for burns suffered in the blaze but the little girl's condition is unknown. The fire was extinguished relatively quickly.

Elgin Oct. 23, 2008 - Residential Fire 859 St. Charles St.

A fire of unknown origin started in a home on Elgin's SE side burning ...

Updated: Oct 23, 2008 3:35pm PST

Elgin HazMat Oct. 21, 2008 - 2nd in 2 days at Chase Bank in Elgin : For the second time in 2 days, Elgin Fire Department had to have HazMat techs respond to Chase Bank because they received another envelope with a strange substance in it. Once again, it turned out not to be anything threatening.

Elgin HazMat Oct. 21, 2008 - 2nd in 2 days at Chase Bank in Elgin

For the second time in 2 days, Elgin Fire Department had to have HazMa ...

Updated: Oct 21, 2008 5:36pm PST

Elgin Oct. 19, 2008 - Box Alarm 160 Kimball Street :

Elgin Oct. 19, 2008 - Box Alarm 160 Kimball Street

Updated: Oct 20, 2008 9:02am PST

Our Condolences to the Air Angel's Family...October 16, 2008 : A short time after midnight last night, an Air Angel's Helo went down in Aurora killing the crew and the 1 yr. old passenger they were transporting. Air Angel's, Flight for Life, REACT and AirMED1 Air Ambulance pilots and their crewa are among the best in the world. Our Condolences are extended to the crew and their family members, as well as the family members of the 1 year old patient they were transporting. Air Ambulance companies like Air Angels, Flight for Life, REACT and AirMED1 have been credited with saving many lives every year, but unfortunately will be remembered because of tragedies like this one.

Our Condolences to the Air Angel's Family...October 16, 2008

A short time after midnight last night, an Air Angel's Helo went down ...

Updated: Oct 18, 2008 1:05pm PST

Elgin - Oct. 15, 2008 - HazMat for dump truck crash that spilled 100 gallons of fuel : A dump truck on Randall Rd. lost control this morning and jack-knifed crashing into the control box for the traffic lights at Randall Rd. & Foothill. The accident caused the truck to lose about 100 gallons of diesel fuel therefore the HazMat teams from Elgin and South Elgin responded to attempt to contain the leakage. No one was injured in the crash.

Elgin - Oct. 15, 2008 - HazMat for dump truck crash that spilled 100 gallons of fuel

A dump truck on Randall Rd. lost control this morning and jack-knifed ...

Updated: Oct 15, 2008 11:38am PST

Bartlett FPD Promotions and Certifications Ceremony Oct. 12, 2008 : Bartlett Fire Protection District had the grand opening of their new Station 3 today on W. Bartlett Rd, and along with that ceremony, was the promotions and certifications ceremony for 6 firefighters.

Bartlett FPD Promotions and Certifications Ceremony Oct. 12, 2008

Bartlett Fire Protection District had the grand opening of their new S ...

Updated: Oct 12, 2008 1:19pm PST

Elgin Fire Department Open House - Oct. 11, 2008 : Elgin Fire Department had their annual "Open House" today for the public and put on presentations on how firefighters perform in different situations from crawling through walls. Children (and some adults too!) got to ride on a Fire Truck from the Fire Station # 5 Museum and were lined up all afternoon for their turns. Flight for Life was scheduled to land and strut their stuff but cancelled at the last minute do to a mechanical problem. All in all, kids and adults had a great time and I think there were definitely a few future firefighters in the crowds! ;-)

Elgin Fire Department Open House - Oct. 11, 2008

Elgin Fire Department had their annual "Open House" today for the publ ...

Updated: Oct 11, 2008 8:32pm PST

Hanover Park Oct. 10 - Laundrymat Explosion : A Laundrymat at Lake & Walnut in Hanover Park had the windows blown out of it Friday night with an explosion and the fire extended to the neighboring businesses. This was a MABAS Division 12 2-Alarm blaze that brought in departments from Bloomingdale, Roselle, Carol Stream, Streamwood, Bartlett and Elgin.

Hanover Park Oct. 10 - Laundrymat Explosion

A Laundrymat at Lake & Walnut in Hanover Park had the windows blown ou ...

Updated: Oct 11, 2008 9:10am PST

Elgin Oct. 3, 2008 - Minivan rolls end over end on Rt. 20. : A Ford Mini-van flipped end over end in rush hour traffic this afternoon on Rt. 20. The driver of the vehicle was miraculously not injured in the crash that closed Rt. 20 completely at State Street for about 45 minutes.

Elgin Oct. 3, 2008 - Minivan rolls end over end on Rt. 20.

A Ford Mini-van flipped end over end in rush hour traffic this afterno ...

Updated: Oct 03, 2008 7:51pm PST

Carpentersville September 30, 2008 - 936 Chippewa Cir Residential Fire : MABAS BOX 1-156 was called for the residential fire this afternoon on C'ville's east side. The fire gutted the home and garage as well as destroyed 4 vehicles. The first three photos were submitted by Carpentersville's Chief Schuldt showing what they saw when first arriving on the scene. Thank you!

Carpentersville September 30, 2008 - 936 Chippewa Cir Residential Fire

MABAS BOX 1-156 was called for the residential fire this afternoon on ...

Updated: Oct 02, 2008 8:21pm PST

Cary - Sept 30, 2008 - MABAS Div 5 Three-Alarm fire : A three alarm blaze destroyed a Cary machine shop and three apartment units that were above it. More on this story can be found at the Daily Herald website.

Cary - Sept 30, 2008 - MABAS Div 5 Three-Alarm fire

A three alarm blaze destroyed a Cary machine shop and three apartment ...

Updated: Sep 30, 2008 10:12pm PST

MABAS Div. 2 HAZMAT drill (Santa's Village) Sept. 23, 2008 : MABAS Division 2 Fire Departments had a Hazmat response drill today at Santa's Village in East Dundee. Initiating with a smoke investigation call around 9:30 this morning, it later turned into an unknown chemical leak which then escalated it to a level 2 Hazmat MABAS Alarm. Firefighters and administration personnel had to go through procedures and treat this as though it was an actual incident including putting men in their in Haz-Mat suits, sending them in to repair or shut down the leak and put them through thorough decontamination procedures after coming out of the affected area. Departments participating in the drill were: East Dundee, West Dundee, Carpentersville, Rutland-Dundee, Elgin, Algonquin, Bartlett, Hampshire, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Huntley, Pingree-Grove, South Elgin, Streamwood and Kane County OEM and the Kane County Bomb Squad.

MABAS Div. 2 HAZMAT drill (Santa's Village) Sept. 23, 2008

MABAS Division 2 Fire Departments had a Hazmat response drill today at ...

Updated: Sep 23, 2008 4:50pm PST

Pingree Grove - Elgin Live Burn Exercise Sept. 20, 2008 : Pingree Grove and Elgin Fire Departments did a joint exercise this afternoon in unincorporated Kane County. An abandoned home was used to train firefighters in various stages of a fire, from small contained fire to something a little larger. ;-) Aside from Fire Department personnel, Elgin Police also sent several of their people so they could see what Firefighters would be describing when arriving on a scene of a fire, from "light smoke showing" to "a fully engulfed residential fire". At the later stages of the exercise, everyone had to move across the street because of the intensity of the fire. Standing anywhere in the driveway of this home had to be enduring temps of 120° plus.

Pingree Grove - Elgin Live Burn Exercise Sept. 20, 2008

Pingree Grove and Elgin Fire Departments did a joint exercise this aft ...

Updated: Sep 21, 2008 11:08am PST

Maple Park Sept. 18, 2008 - MABAS Div. 13 3-Alarm blaze destroys home. : A Maple Park home was left uninhabitable after a 3-Alarm fire went through the back mid-section of the home. No one was injured in the blaze. This was mainly a tender operation with pools set up for drafting at both ends of the driveway which was about 1000' long since there were no hydrants in the area. Departments responding were Pingree Grove, South Elgin, Geneva, DeKalb, Big Rock, Hampshire, Elburn, Genoa-Kingston, Burlington, Sycamore and Sugar Grove were among the departments responded.

Maple Park Sept. 18, 2008 - MABAS Div. 13 3-Alarm blaze destroys home.

A Maple Park home was left uninhabitable after a 3-Alarm fire went thr ...

Updated: Sep 18, 2008 2:22pm PST

Elgin - Sept. 11, 2008 - Fox River Cleanup : The Elgin Association of Firefighter's Local 439, The Friends of the Fox River and other volunteers helped clean up the mighty Fox today and turned up everything from bicycles and beer bottles, to shopping carts and even a piggy bank. Members of the Elgin Fire Department's Dive Team waded through the mud and guck while others walked the banks and picked up what they could. One of the volunteers even included one homeless man who laughingly claimed that some of those 100+ empty quart bottles of beer found, were probably his so the least he could do was help clean them up....and he did. Dundee-Crown High School teacher Gary Swick brought one of his classes out to see the efforts of the volunteers in his Green "Cool Bus" (see pics on page 3) which runs on a bio-diesel fuel made with discarded vegetable oil from the school's cafeteria!

Elgin - Sept. 11, 2008 - Fox River Cleanup

The Elgin Association of Firefighter's Local 439, The Friends of the F ...

Updated: Sep 11, 2008 2:30pm PST

Barrington Sept. 10, 2008 - MABAS Div. 4 Two-Alarm residential fire : Construction workers reportedly were welding while installing copper gutters on this home when a bird's nest or hornet nest caught fire, igniting the roof. With no hydrants in the area, it became a tender operation and 4-1500 gallon pools were set up on each side of the house to draft from. No one was injured, but according to the Daily Herald report, the house sustained over $400,000 in damage.

Barrington Sept. 10, 2008 - MABAS Div. 4 Two-Alarm residential fire

Construction workers reportedly were welding while installing copper g ...

Updated: Sep 10, 2008 6:35pm PST

United Way Food Drive EFD Sept. 5, 2008 : Unloading at the Crisis Center on Geneva St.

United Way Food Drive EFD Sept. 5, 2008

Unloading at the Crisis Center on Geneva St.

Updated: Sep 05, 2008 11:21am PST

West Dundee August 30, 2008 - Working townhome fire : Originally called in by a neighbor with flames coming out the second story windows, it was confirmed in short a short amount of time by WDPD. The fire was knocked relatively quickly and only the one unit was damaged. No one was injured.

West Dundee August 30, 2008 - Working townhome fire

Originally called in by a neighbor with flames coming out the second s ...

Updated: Aug 31, 2008 12:05am PST

Elgin August 22, 2008 - Motorcyclist injured in crash with vehicle :

Elgin August 22, 2008 - Motorcyclist injured in crash with vehicle

Updated: Aug 26, 2008 8:39am PST

Carpentersville Aug 22, 2008 Vehicle crash with multiple injuries :

Carpentersville Aug 22, 2008 Vehicle crash with multiple injuries

Updated: Aug 26, 2008 8:00am PST

Elgin Aug. 6, 2008 - Truck fire in dock : This could have been a disaster had it gone another 5 minutes. This 2005 Volvo cab was burning pretty good on the interior upon arrival. Luckily it didn't take much to get it out.

Elgin Aug. 6, 2008 - Truck fire in dock

This could have been a disaster had it gone another 5 minutes. This 2 ...

Updated: Aug 07, 2008 7:33pm PST

Bartlett Aug. 6, 2008 - Rollover on Schick at Gerber : One person was transported to the hospital in this crash just to be checked out. Minor injuries.

Bartlett Aug. 6, 2008 - Rollover on Schick at Gerber

One person was transported to the hospital in this crash just to be ch ...

Updated: Aug 07, 2008 7:24pm PST

Special Olympics Airplane Pull July 26, 2008 - DuPage County Airport : The mission today was for teams of ten people to pull this 1982 Challenger 600 business jet 20 feet in the least amount of time. 7 teams competed and were comprised of Police officers, Firefighters and private companies. The Challenger 600 used in today's pull was donated by Camden Aviation at DuPage and is 68.5 feet in length and has an empty weight of 22,675 lbs but today was weighed in at 33,000lbs.

Special Olympics Airplane Pull July 26, 2008 - DuPage County Airport

The mission today was for teams of ten people to pull this 1982 Challe ...

Updated: Jul 27, 2008 10:25am PST

Elgin Historical Photos from 1979 Elgin Lawyer Building fire : In May of 1979, Elgin had a historical fire at the Lawyer Building that was at Douglas and Chicago. Dr. Harold T. Perry DDS, was in his office in the Tower building when he took this series of pictures. He had given the slides to former Elgin FF Pat Crawford. Turns out Pat and I have a common acquaintance that got us talking about EFD. I would like to thank Pat for sharing these with me and allowing me to post them on the site.

Elgin Historical Photos from 1979 Elgin Lawyer Building fire

In May of 1979, Elgin had a historical fire at the Lawyer Building tha ...

Updated: Jul 22, 2008 9:50pm PST

Elgin July 16, 2007 - Man pinned under semi : A Texas man was working under a semi car-carrier carrying 12 vehicles including minivans when the hydraulic system on the truck failed, pinning him under the truck. It took firefighters about an hour to free 39 year old Eddie Silva who managed to escaped without any injury and was all smiles when finally getting out from under the truck!

Elgin July 16, 2007 - Man pinned under semi

A Texas man was working under a semi car-carrier carrying 12 vehicles ...

Updated: Jul 17, 2008 3:52pm PST

Hampshire July 16. 2008 - MABAS Div 6 5 alarm Dumptruck accident on 72 : A head-on collision between an SUV and a gravel truck killed the driver of the Explorer, who was ejected from his vehicle upon the impact. Firefighters had to rescue the driver of the gravel truck which was on fire, and he was then airlifted by Flight for Life to St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. His condition right now is unknown. Rt. 72 was closed for several hours because of the crash.

Hampshire July 16. 2008 - MABAS Div 6 5 alarm Dumptruck accident on 72

A head-on collision between an SUV and a gravel truck killed the drive ...

Updated: Jul 17, 2008 3:48pm PST

Hanover Park July 16, 2008 - MABAS Division 12 EMS Box for injuries from fumes at a school : Initial call was for a CO Alarm with 20 people feeling ill. HPFD immediately pulled a MABAS EMS Box for ambulances from surrounding towns and upon arrival, found students and employees from the Empire Beauty School at 1166 Lake Street in Hanover Park. 9 people people were actually transported to area hospitals but there was no CO levels found in the building, but someone did say there was a "bad odor" in there, most likely from the chemicals in use. The School is open again.

Hanover Park July 16, 2008 - MABAS Division 12 EMS Box for injuries from fumes at a school

Initial call was for a CO Alarm with 20 people feeling ill. HPFD imme ...

Updated: Jul 16, 2008 3:33pm PST

South Elgin July 15, 2008 - Mabas Division 2 Hazmat : An acid spill Custom Aluminum Products in South Elgin injured one person and was serious enough for a MABAS Division 2 Box Alarm. No other injuries were reported and departments from Elgin, Rutland-Dundee, West Dundee and Bartlett Fire Departments assisted South Elgin FPD with the situation.

South Elgin July 15, 2008 - Mabas Division 2 Hazmat

An acid spill Custom Aluminum Products in South Elgin injured one pers ...

Updated: Jul 15, 2008 12:36pm PST

Elgin July 12, 2008 - MABAS Div 2. EMS Box, 10 injuries in rollover : A possible DUI driver with no driver's license hit this minivan loaded with people flipping it on it's side this morning at Highland and State Street. Fire personnel first called out 6 injuries, then had to pull a MABAS box when more people were found inside the van injured. 5 children were among the injured inside the van and the driver of the offending vehicle is in custody. None of the injuries appeared to be life threatening.

Elgin July 12, 2008 - MABAS Div 2. EMS Box, 10 injuries in rollover

A possible DUI driver with no driver's license hit this minivan loaded ...

Updated: Jul 12, 2008 1:12pm PST

Elgin - June 27, 2008 - Tollway accident sends 2 to hospital : 3 car collision sent 2 people to St. Joseph's hospital this afternoon and brought tollway traffic to a stand-still for a while at Randall Road.

Elgin - June 27, 2008 - Tollway accident sends 2 to hospital

3 car collision sent 2 people to St. Joseph's hospital this afternoon ...

Updated: Jun 27, 2008 4:28pm PST

Bartlett Box Alarm June 26, 2008 - MABAS Div. 2 Box Alarm : Porch fire extended well into these townhomes on Railroad Ave. in Bartlett. Upon FD arrival the back section of the building was engulfed in flames. Fire was under control in a short amount of time but the overhaul was extensive.

Bartlett Box Alarm June 26, 2008 - MABAS Div. 2 Box Alarm

Porch fire extended well into these townhomes on Railroad Ave. in Bart ...

Updated: Jun 26, 2008 8:27pm PST

South Elgin June 24, 2008 - Residential MABAS Div. 2, 2-Alarm fire : A 2 alarm fire started in the basement of this 2-story home at 484 Valley Forge. Unsure what the exact cause was, but it was called in originally as a battery fire in the basement and upon arrival, there was heavy black smoke coming from the home. One South Elgin Firefighter Chris Lee appeared to collapse when coming out of the home and taking his helmet and mask off. St. Charles paramedics checked him out at the scene, as well as a couple of other firefighters.

South Elgin June 24, 2008 - Residential MABAS Div. 2, 2-Alarm fire

A 2 alarm fire started in the basement of this 2-story home at 484 Val ...

Updated: Jun 24, 2008 7:53pm PST

Elgin June 19, 2008 - Minivan flips over on McLean Blvd. : 2 minivans collided in the intersection of Big Timber and McLean this morning around 9am. The driver of the flipped vehicle was able to get out of the car with assistance but was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Elgin June 19, 2008 - Minivan flips over on McLean Blvd.

2 minivans collided in the intersection of Big Timber and McLean this ...

Updated: Jun 19, 2008 9:16pm PST

Hoffman Estates June 17, 2008 - Residential Fire : Residential fire that extended throughout the house. By the time I heard about this and got over there, they were rolling hoses already. Didn't take a lot of pics here guys. Sorry.

Hoffman Estates June 17, 2008 - Residential Fire

Residential fire that extended throughout the house. By the time I he ...

Updated: Jun 19, 2008 9:11pm PST

Elgin Mabas Div 2 - June 11, 2008 - Technical Rescue : 2 workers from company contracted by the State of Illinois, died this afternoon while painting the underside of the Rt. 20 bridge. They apparently hit some live power lines which ignited the bucket on the lift they were in. The MABAS Division 2 Technical Rescue Team got their first official call in this incident. Firefighters in the team are made up from surrounding communities including Elgin and the TRT truck is housed at Elgin Fire Department's Station #2. Team members worked together to remove the charred remains of the workers.

Elgin Mabas Div 2 - June 11, 2008 - Technical Rescue

2 workers from company contracted by the State of Illinois, died this ...

Updated: Jun 11, 2008 5:58pm PST

Elgin - June 3, 2008 - Rt. 31 closed. Underground electrical vault on fire : Police received a call about smoke from a manhole cover on State St. Upon arrival black smoke was seen coming from the manhole and one underground explosion had been heard by police. Fire Dept. and ComED were called and Rt. 31 had to be closed from Highland to Kimball because one manhole cover had already been launched into the air from an explosion.

Elgin - June 3, 2008 - Rt. 31 closed. Underground electrical vault on fire

Police received a call about smoke from a manhole cover on State St. ...

Updated: Jun 03, 2008 4:10pm PST

Elgin - June 3, 2008 - BMW noticed smoldering in parking lot : A BMW was seen with black smoke pouring out from under the hood this morning in the parking lot of NTN on Holmes Rd. Upon arrival of the FD, visible flames were just beginning to shoot out from the front of the car. It didn't take long to put it out and the worker who's car it was, didn't seem terribly upset about it.

Elgin - June 3, 2008 - BMW noticed smoldering in parking lot

A BMW was seen with black smoke pouring out from under the hood this m ...

Updated: Jun 03, 2008 4:08pm PST

Elgin - June 3, 2008 - Home struck by lightening Blume Dr, : A home on Blume Dr. on the city's South West side was hit by lightening this morning. No one was home when it was struck. Elgin and South Elgin firefighters were on the scene pretty quick and it didn't take long to extinguish but there was damage to the interior of the home.

Elgin - June 3, 2008 - Home struck by lightening Blume Dr,

A home on Blume Dr. on the city's South West side was hit by lightenin ...

Updated: Jun 03, 2008 4:00pm PST

Welcoming home Army Staff Sgt (and South Elgin Firefighter) Billy Luchsinger : Army Staff Sgt. William Luchsinger (and South Elgin Firefighter) came home from IRAQ today after a 9 month long deployment and was greeted at the Des Plaines Oasis by some of his fellow South Elgin Firefighters and 2 South Police officers. He thought that was the extent of his greeting home until we got off at Rt. 31 and were greeted by the Patriot Guard Riders in the Tyler Creek Forest Preserves. Once going through their flag ceremony, the procession continued and turned into a full blown parade when driving through the South Elgin Fire Station on State Street. I overheard Firefighter Luchsinger tell someone that he was fine until they drove through Station #1 and came out on the other side to his fellow firefighters applauding him, and people on the streets holding signs that said "Welcome Home Army SSG Luchsinger!"

Welcoming home Army Staff Sgt (and South Elgin Firefighter) Billy Luchsinger

Army Staff Sgt. William Luchsinger (and South Elgin Firefighter) came ...

Updated: May 29, 2008 5:20pm PST

South Elgin May 28, 2008 - Residential Box Alarm 194 S. Collins : There wasn't a lot of vantage points to shoot this from, plus the fire was knocked right before my arrival. The Daily Herald reports that the homeowner was fixing a water pipe when his torch ignited insulation.

South Elgin May 28, 2008 - Residential Box Alarm 194 S. Collins

There wasn't a lot of vantage points to shoot this from, plus the fire ...

Updated: May 28, 2008 3:10pm PST

Hoffman Estates May 22, 2008 - MABAS Division 1 Dive Certifications : Hoffman Estates Fire Department, MABAS Division 1 and Dive Rescue International were the hosts today for training and dive certification in Max McGraw Wildlife Reserve. This training was for every aspect of handling a situation like this, from the rescue and recovery ops, to dealing with the sometimes pesky media. ;-) The situation as we were briefed was that a 76 yr. old man and his 23 yr. old son were fishing when they fell out of the boat at 2 different locations. The man's wife was there to help give some direction to firefighters, as was a witness. Myself and a videographer for the City of Hoffman Estates were asked to "role play" as the media, complete with trying to sneak in for pictures and story information. I was tossed out on several occasions. lol!

Hoffman Estates May 22, 2008 - MABAS Division 1 Dive Certifications

Hoffman Estates Fire Department, MABAS Division 1 and Dive Rescue Inte ...

Updated: May 22, 2008 1:02pm PST

Carpentersville/Dundee May 17, 2008 - Boater runs into rocks on Fox : Practical Fire Boat Rescue 101. ;-) There was no real emergency in this but a boater did run his fishing boat up onto some rocks in the middle of the Fox River at Geneva St. in West Dundee. East Dundee and Carpentersville firefighters worked to get the boat free.

Carpentersville/Dundee May 17, 2008 - Boater runs into rocks on Fox

Practical Fire Boat Rescue 101. ;-) There was no real emergency in th ...

Updated: May 18, 2008 2:00pm PST

Elgin - May 15, 2008 - Blast ignites fire on East-Side.. : By the time I arrived on the scene (after waiting 13 minutes for a light to change...THANK YOU OPTICOM!), there wasn't much left in the way of fire. Firefighters knocked this down pretty quick DESPITE the fact that the firs hydrants they hooked up to were dead! A blast may have ignited this fire at 20 Jefferson Ave. Ashes were falling into traffic all the way to Kimball Street at Rt. 31. Neighbors were evacuated in case of more blasts as there were propane tanks on the property.

Elgin - May 15, 2008 - Blast ignites fire on East-Side..

By the time I arrived on the scene (after waiting 13 minutes for a lig ...

Updated: May 15, 2008 7:50pm PST

Elgin May 13, 2008 - Van hit by falling tree with live wires : Mini van northbound on State Street at Orange St was in the wrong place at the wrong time. A gust of wind blew a tree down across State Street landing on top of the van. The driver was fine, but firefighters were unable to approach the vehicle until ComEd cut the wire that was in contact with the tree and possibly the van. Once ComEd removed the line from the poll, firefighters helped the driver out of the vehicle. He was not injured.

Elgin May 13, 2008 - Van hit by falling tree with live wires

Mini van northbound on State Street at Orange St was in the wrong plac ...

Updated: May 14, 2008 5:31pm PST

East Dundee May 12, 2008 - 2 Semis and a pick-up truck crash on Rt. 68 and Bateman Rd. : 2 dump trucks collide with a pick-up truck in the middle of it all. Firefighters had to spend considerable time to ensure there was no passenger in the pick-up truck. This entire set of pictures was taken after the driver was removed and transported. THe driver of the pick-up was pronounced dead at the hospital and the 2 big-rig operators have non-life-threatening injuries.

East Dundee May 12, 2008 - 2 Semis and a pick-up truck crash on Rt. 68 and Bateman Rd.

2 dump trucks collide with a pick-up truck in the middle of it all. F ...

Updated: May 12, 2008 1:08pm PST

Elgin May 9, 2008 - Tollway fatal crash / Driver flees scene : A little boy, (probably 4 years old) was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead last night at Sherman Hospital, along with her 67 yr. old Grandmother who was also ejected. The driver and one other occupant of the Ford Expedition fled the scene. Kane County Sheriff and Elgin K-9 units were brought in to see if they could track the driver. It's possible that they were standing there watching as firefighters treated the children and 3 others for serious injuries.

Elgin May 9, 2008 - Tollway fatal crash / Driver flees scene

A little boy, (probably 4 years old) was ejected from the vehicle and ...

Updated: May 09, 2008 9:11pm PST

Algonquin May 9, 2008 - MABAS Div. 2 Box Alarm on Virginia Rd. : MABAS Division 2 box alarm at 9320 Virginia Road. According to Daily Herald reports, one resident of the home was trapped outside on the roof, when a cable television truck pulled up and police help the unidentified "cable guy", put a ladder up to get the resident off the roof. Click here for the full story in the Daily Herald.

Algonquin May 9, 2008 - MABAS Div. 2 Box Alarm on Virginia Rd.

MABAS Division 2 box alarm at 9320 Virginia Road. According to Daily H ...

Updated: May 09, 2008 9:52am PST

Pingree Grove May 9, 2008 - Single vehicle crash on Rt. 47 : Single vehicle crash on Route 47 just N. of Connor Rd. Driver sustained serious injuries and had to be airlifted to Rockford Medical Center via REACT Helicopter. Rt. 47 was closed in both directions for about 30 minutes.

Pingree Grove May 9, 2008 - Single vehicle crash on Rt. 47

Single vehicle crash on Route 47 just N. of Connor Rd. Driver sustain ...

Updated: May 09, 2008 9:43am PST

Elgin May 8, 2008 - Vehicle crash on Lawrence :

Elgin May 8, 2008 - Vehicle crash on Lawrence

Updated: May 08, 2008 3:14pm PST

Carpentersville May 8, 2008 - Rollover extrication on Miller Rd. : Mercedes east bound on Miller Rd. approaching Rt. 31, lost control and went inverted into the trees. Driver had to be extricated and according to firefighters, was "real lucky".

Carpentersville May 8, 2008 - Rollover extrication on Miller Rd.

Mercedes east bound on Miller Rd. approaching Rt. 31, lost control and ...

Updated: May 08, 2008 2:57pm PST

Elgin May 6, 2008 - Residential basement fire 774 Hastings : Initial calls came in saying that the home had black smoke coming from it. Upon arrival of the FD, it was apparent that the basement was definitely on fire. It didn't take long to get it under control. By the time I got there, they were pretty much just cleaning up, so it was a good day for portraits. ;-)

Elgin May 6, 2008 - Residential basement fire 774 Hastings

Initial calls came in saying that the home had black smoke coming from ...

Updated: May 06, 2008 3:04pm PST

Elgin May 5, 2008 - Fire Station 7 is manned and operational! : At 7:10 this morning, 355 days after the groundbreaking ceremony, Elgin Fire Station #7 went into service.

Elgin May 5, 2008 - Fire Station 7 is manned and operational!

At 7:10 this morning, 355 days after the groundbreaking ceremony, Elgi ...

Updated: May 05, 2008 7:55am PST

Elgin - May 1, 2008 - Hit and Run injures 4 : Reckless driver speeding through an intersection crashes into a Lincoln Navigator loaded with people, then flees on foot from the scene. 4 people total were injured, 2 of which were children. One child was ejected from the vehicle on impact. Injuries are unknown at this time. Police are still looking for the driver of the pick-up truck.

Elgin - May 1, 2008 - Hit and Run injures 4

Reckless driver speeding through an intersection crashes into a Lincol ...

Updated: May 01, 2008 9:15pm PST

Elgin April 30, 2008 - Tollway Crash, driver fled scene : This wasn't a very significant event. I think the main story here is the ignorance of drivers to emergency equipment responding to calls. I was on the road already when this call went out. Eastbound on Big Timber already I ended up right behind Engine 2 and Ambulance 2 as they responded to a call of an accident with injuries on the tollway just before Randall Rd. Upon their getting onto westbound I-90, I was amazed at the motorists who were just seemingly unaware of what flashing red lights and sirens mean. Engine 2 had the left lane, Ambulance 2 the right lane. At this point it was still unknown exactly where the accident was, or what side of the tollway it was on when a green Plymouth Voyager mini-van passes me doing about 70 in the center lane heading right in between the 2 emergency vehicles. I grabbed the camera and managed to squeeze off a couple of pictures not thinking in a million years, they'd actually be aimed right. I guess I'm better than I thought. ;-) This mini-van approached the 2 pieces of equipment, slowed down for a second or 2 and when they (the engine and the ambulance) were no longer going 55mph, he went in between and passed them. Had it been a few seconds later, they would had been clipped by Engine 2 trying to get over to the right lane as that was where the accident was. The accident was a vehicle turned around heading the opposite direction, in the weeds and up to its doors in water on the exit ramp from westbound I-90. Witnesses said he lost control of the vehicle, spun around and ended up in the ditch. The driver described as a male Hispanic then got out of the car, waded through 3 feet of water and fled the scene towards Point Blvd. Police had a K-9 unit on the hunt for the driver as well as several other officers but turned up nothing. Luckily, no one else was injured in this crash.

Elgin April 30, 2008 - Tollway Crash, driver fled scene

This wasn't a very significant event. I think the main story here is ...

Updated: Apr 30, 2008 8:59pm PST

Elgin FD Baskin Robbins 31 Cent Scoop Night : Baskin Robbins says "Thank you, Heros" and donates $100,000 to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, while local firefighters dish out 31 cent per scoop ice cream at Elgin area Baskin Robbins locations. (Taken from their brochure) We're proud to Support Our Local Firefighters on 31 Cent Scoop Night! As a thank you to our consumers and the firefighters that protect them, Baskin-Robbins is donating $100,000 to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation works to protect our nations firefighters and their families. To learn more about this scoop worthy cause, please visit www.firehero.org Be sure to do your part to prevent fires. Visit www.baskinrobbins.com/31cent for fire safety tips to keep you and your family safe.

Elgin FD Baskin Robbins 31 Cent Scoop Night

Baskin Robbins says "Thank you, Heros" and donates $100,000 to the Nat ...

Updated: Apr 30, 2008 5:39pm PST

Crystal Lake April 24, 2008 - Residential MABAS Div. 5 Box : 918 North Shore Dr. - Apparently roofers accidently started this blaze at the home according to a neighbor. A Box Alarm was called and North Shore Drive was closed for quite a while.

Crystal Lake April 24, 2008 - Residential MABAS Div. 5 Box

918 North Shore Dr. - Apparently roofers accidently started this blaze ...

Updated: Apr 24, 2008 7:10pm PST

Bartett April 22, 2008 - 3 Alarm residential blaze : Mabas Division 2 3-Alarm blaze late last night at 99 Forest View Dr., in unincorporated Bartlett. It took a lot of tankers and man-power to put this one out. 2 people inside the home were able to escape with the family pet before it quickly destroyed the home.

Bartett April 22, 2008 - 3 Alarm residential blaze

Mabas Division 2 3-Alarm blaze late last night at 99 Forest View Dr., ...

Updated: Apr 23, 2008 9:23am PST

Elgin Dive Training at Kimball St. Dam - April 21, 2008 : The Elgin Fire Department Dive Unit was training this morning at the Kimball Street Dam as fishermen and other people who happened to be walking along the path, watched. This is the first time in about 5 years they've actually trained at the dam, Elgin Fire Department Battalion Chief Greg Benson said. They have to do it, because the mechanics of the raging waters coming over the dam are anything but routine. At any given time, you can see logs or pylons in the water at the base of the dam being tossed around, sometimes being launched 5 feet in the air as the pressure of the water gets a hold of them. Trying to rescue someone in these conditions is every bit as dangerous as walking into a burning building. A fine day on all counts. 70° and calm winds. People were fishing on both shores (even though they're not suppose to be on the west shore near the dam). The water was calm at Walton Island, as was the 150-200 feet of water they went through getting to the dam. Once at the dam however, it very much resembled a class 3 rapids and was certainly every bit as dangerous. On June 2, 1974, 2 Elgin Firefighters, Captain Stanley Balsis and Michael Whalen launched their fire department boat to rescue a man who'd gone over the dam in a rubber raft, on a dare. Ironically, the man that was in the rubber raft survived, while both firefighters who went into the water to save him, succumbed to the raging waters as other firefighters tried to rescue them from the bridge and river banks. The Elgin Fire Department is much better equipped today for water rescue utilizing a pontoon dive platform that can more than handle itself in the mouth of the dam, as well as a variety of other boats they can launch quickly from any number of locations along the Fox River.

Elgin Dive Training at Kimball St. Dam - April 21, 2008

The Elgin Fire Department Dive Unit was training this morning at the K ...

Updated: Apr 21, 2008 1:57pm PST

Elgin April 19, 2008 - MABAS Div. 2, Two Alarm Fuel fire : From what I gathered, there were several inside kerosene storage tanks inside this building and one fo them, was on fire.

Elgin April 19, 2008 - MABAS Div. 2, Two Alarm Fuel fire

From what I gathered, there were several inside kerosene storage tanks ...

Updated: Apr 19, 2008 8:48am PST

Elgin April 14, 2008 - Dive training : Dive training at Voyager's Landing. It was a fantastic afternoon so I had to stop down and get some pics....

Elgin April 14, 2008 - Dive training

Dive training at Voyager's Landing. It was a fantastic afternoon so I ...

Updated: Apr 14, 2008 4:54pm PST

Elgin April 14, 2008 - Fully engulfed detatched garage on S. Melrose : Wasn't much left of this when I finally there. This was a fully involved garage upon arrival of the FD. The report from Engine 6 who was a few blocks away, was that they could see the header on it from where they were.

Elgin April 14, 2008 - Fully engulfed detatched garage on S. Melrose

Wasn't much left of this when I finally there. This was a fully invol ...

Updated: Apr 14, 2008 4:40pm PST

Elgin April 14, 2008 - Tollway Accident involving Semi and small car : Semi almost runs over a Toyota Camry on westbound I-90 at Rt. 31. No injuries! (unreal...)

Elgin April 14, 2008 - Tollway Accident involving Semi and small car

Semi almost runs over a Toyota Camry on westbound I-90 at Rt. 31. No i ...

Updated: Apr 14, 2008 12:36pm PST

Elgin - April 13, 2008 Water Rescue, Vehicle in pond in Del Webb : Elderly man made a wrong turn, or lost control of his vehicle and ended up in this pond. Elgin Firefighter Brandon Ehas (on his third day on the job!) was tasked with going in the water and getting the driver out of his vehicle. It's a hell of a way to start your first week. ;-)

Elgin - April 13, 2008 Water Rescue, Vehicle in pond in Del Webb

Elderly man made a wrong turn, or lost control of his vehicle and ende ...

Updated: Apr 13, 2008 7:17pm PST

Carpentersville April 8, 2008 - Fully engulfed residential fire Windsor Cir. : Carpentersville Fire & Division 2 Box alarm at 1045 Windsor Cir. Home was fully engulfed upon arrival of the FD. Firefighters from 8 surrounding communities helped battle the blaze. The home was a total loss3 people were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation but non were transported. Cause is still under investigation. Departments responding: Auto Aid - East Dundee, West Dundee, Rutland Dundee, Barrington Chief, East Dundee Chief Mabas Box Alarm - Barrington Engine, Hoffman Estates Engine, Algonquin Engine Chiefs- Rutland Dundee, West Dundee Crystal Lake Ambulance, Rutland Dundee Support team Station Coverage - Palatine Rural Engine, Palatine Rural Chief, Streamwood Ambulance, Elgin Ambulance

Carpentersville April 8, 2008 - Fully engulfed residential fire Windsor Cir.

Carpentersville Fire & Division 2 Box alarm at 1045 Windsor Cir. Home ...

Updated: Apr 08, 2008 7:52pm PST

Elgin April 6, 2008 - Working garage fire Liberty & Regent : This 2-car garage on Liberty was fully involved upon arrival of the FD. It didn't take very long to knock this one out.

Elgin April 6, 2008 - Working garage fire Liberty & Regent

This 2-car garage on Liberty was fully involved upon arrival of the FD ...

Updated: Apr 06, 2008 6:32pm PST

Elgin April 6, 2008 - Accident with injury / Portage Way and Lyle : One vehicle turned in front of another on Lyle Ave at Portage Way. The accident wasn't all that bad but the driver of the car was screaming when they removed her from the vehicle to get her on the stretcher.

Elgin April 6, 2008 - Accident with injury / Portage Way and Lyle

One vehicle turned in front of another on Lyle Ave at Portage Way. Th ...

Updated: Apr 06, 2008 12:46pm PST

Elgin April 4, 2008 - Shooting on Amanda Cir. : The original call was someone arguing in a hallway with a gun (1217 Amanda), then shots fired. Police chased one subject with the gun to 1318 Amanda Cir., where he ran into the building (police witnessed entry), but never came out. Suspect was a male with a red t-shirt on. First person out was a young female who told police that there was still someone hiding in a closet in the apartment. The second (male with no shirt on) had 2 babies in his arms. After all 4 were out, police cleared the apartment which had no other suspects in it, but did recover the gun. This was nothing less than great police work.

Elgin April 4, 2008 - Shooting on Amanda Cir.

The original call was someone arguing in a hallway with a gun (1217 Am ...

Updated: Apr 05, 2008 9:03am PST

Elgin - April 3, 2008 - Residential Fire 421 N. Gifford St. : Elgin Firefighters responded to many calls of a home with smoke pouring out of a second floor window as well as the eves. Residents inside the house were apparently unaware of the house being on fire. A passer-by attempted to get them out of the house but they didn't want to leave according to one of the callers. Damage was contained to the second story of the home and no one was injured.

Elgin - April 3, 2008 - Residential Fire 421 N. Gifford St.

Elgin Firefighters responded to many calls of a home with smoke pourin ...

Updated: Apr 03, 2008 12:15pm PST

Franklin Park - April 3, 2008 - Dive Box for a vehicle in a pond : MABAS Division 20 Technical Rescue for a car in the water at the end of Seymore Ave. No one was in the vehicle and judging bu the much on the car when they finally got it out, it had apparently been there for a while.

Franklin Park - April 3, 2008 - Dive Box for a vehicle in a pond

MABAS Division 20 Technical Rescue for a car in the water at the end o ...

Updated: Apr 03, 2008 12:05pm PST

Elgin March 20, 2008 - Tollway Crash with injuries : Vehicle changes lanes, hits an Infinity before crashing into the wall on the tollway over the Fox River. FD received the call from State Police stating the driver was in shock. I would have been too crashing into that wall knowing it was 150 ft. to the river. By the time I finally got there in traffic, the FD had already transported the patient, and were helping a gentleman on the side of the road who was changing his tire when the car fell off the jack. He was not involved in the accident, but it wasn't very far from where he was.

Elgin March 20, 2008 - Tollway Crash with injuries

Vehicle changes lanes, hits an Infinity before crashing into the wall ...

Updated: Mar 20, 2008 9:04pm PST

West Dundee March 17, 2008 - Vehicle hits rock. Rock wins. : Older Lincoln Town Car had to be going all but 15 mph when it hit this rock and flipped on its side! Driver was transported with minor injuries.

West Dundee March 17, 2008 - Vehicle hits rock. Rock wins.

Older Lincoln Town Car had to be going all but 15 mph when it hit this ...

Updated: Mar 20, 2008 8:57pm PST

Elgin / Bartlett March 17, 2008 - Serious accident Irving Pk. Rd. : Accident on Irving Park Rd. at King Arthur Ct. Unknown extent of injuries.

Elgin / Bartlett March 17, 2008 - Serious accident Irving Pk. Rd.

Accident on Irving Park Rd. at King Arthur Ct. Unknown extent of injur ...

Updated: Mar 17, 2008 10:06am PST

Guns n Hoses Charity Hockey Game - March 15, 2008 : This was game 2, Lake County Hosers vs. Suburban Firefighters. Any photos purchased from this gallery will have 10% go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Guns n Hoses Charity Hockey Game - March 15, 2008

Elgin March 6, 2008 - MABAS Div. 2 Dive Box - Vehicle in the Fox River : Elgin (Illinois) Fire Department received a call this morning by a fisherman fishing in the Fox River, that a vehicle was floating in the water near Duncan Rd. under I90. FD responded and immediately upon verification of the call, pulled MABAS Division 2 Diver's Box 2-451. Initial and secondary searches showed no bodies in the vehicle. This then turned into a recovery operation which took over 3 house because of of the 24° temerature and thick ice at the river's edge. Once on shore, it was released by authorities that the 2004 Porsche Cayenne had been stolen in Chicago earlier in the day. The vehicle was still in "drive", which indicated it was deliberately ditched in the water, according to Elgin Police Deputy Chief Jeff Swoboda. Departments responding were: Elgin Fire, South Elgin FD, Carpentersville, West Dundee, East Dundee, Hoffman Estates and Pingree Grove FPD.

Elgin March 6, 2008 - MABAS Div. 2 Dive Box - Vehicle in the Fox River

Elgin (Illinois) Fire Department received a call this morning by a fis ...

Updated: Mar 07, 2008 2:02pm PST

Bartlett / Hoffman March 4, 2008 - 2 Story Home totally engulfed : 2-story home in the 5100 block of Slotkowski Rd. in unincorporated Bartlett was totally engulfed in flames on the arrival of Hoffman Estates Fire Department. At one point, flames were shooting horizontally as far as 25 ft. in front of the home because of the high winds which contributed greatly to this blaze. At times, there was zero visibility anywhere within 100 feet of the home. Carpentersville and Bartlett Firefighters were able to get 2 dogs out of the house safely, but it's unknown if there were anymore pets in the home. No other injuries were reported. Departments on the scene included Hoffman Estates FD, Bartlett Fire FPD, Carpentersville FD, Hanover Park FD and Streamwood FD. There was no MABAS Box pulled for this fire because there was already enough apparatus and manpower on the scene in the initial response.

Bartlett / Hoffman March 4, 2008 - 2 Story Home totally engulfed

2-story home in the 5100 block of Slotkowski Rd. in unincorporated Bar ...

Updated: Mar 04, 2008 2:15pm PST

South Elgin March 3, 2008 - MABAS Div. 2 Box Alarm 362 Cornwall : Unknown details on this Box Alarm yet. Fire started in the garage and extended through the 2nd floor of the house. The first 6 photos in this set were submitted by Bartlett Fire B.C. Dave Misner. Thank you!

South Elgin March 3, 2008 - MABAS Div. 2 Box Alarm 362 Cornwall

Unknown details on this Box Alarm yet. Fire started in the garage and ...

Updated: Mar 03, 2008 5:04pm PST

Des Plaines Feb. 21, 2008 - Dive Training : After taking a ride to Franklin Park for the Box Alarm, I heard divers amassing in Des Plaines for training and had to stop by for some pics.

Des Plaines Feb. 21, 2008 - Dive Training

After taking a ride to Franklin Park for the Box Alarm, I heard divers ...

Updated: Mar 01, 2008 3:08pm PST

Franklin Park Feb 21, 2008 - MABAS 20 2 Alarm fire on Carnation : A MABAS Division 20 2-Alarm box on Carnation St. in Franklin Park kept firefighters from the area pretty busy this morning. By the time I got there (Hey.....I was coming from Elgin!;-), it was pretty well knocked and firefighters were just cleaning up. Thanks to Chief David Traiforos for letting me wander and take some pics for the site.

Franklin Park Feb 21, 2008 - MABAS 20 2 Alarm fire on Carnation

A MABAS Division 20 2-Alarm box on Carnation St. in Franklin Park kept ...

Updated: Mar 01, 2008 2:42pm PST

Carpentersville Feb. 27, 2008 - Residential Fire 361 Tee Ln. : Residential fire started in the kitchen. Unknown extent of damage, no one injured.

Carpentersville Feb. 27, 2008 - Residential Fire 361 Tee Ln.

Residential fire started in the kitchen. Unknown extent of damage, no ...

Updated: Feb 27, 2008 10:54am PST

Elgin Feb. 24, 2008 - Injury Accident Randall Rd. : The Jeep was hit when turning on Randall Rd, turning it on it's side. Driver was transported to St. Joe's

Elgin Feb. 24, 2008 - Injury Accident Randall Rd.

The Jeep was hit when turning on Randall Rd, turning it on it's side. ...

Updated: Feb 24, 2008 1:08pm PST

Evanston Feb. 23, 2008 - Polar Plunge for Special Olympics : COLD! That's the only way to describe these people! The Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge was today at Northwestern University in Evanston. This is just some of the people who took a dive into Lake Michigan for benefit the Special Olympics of Illinois.

Evanston Feb. 23, 2008 - Polar Plunge for Special Olympics

COLD! That's the only way to describe these people! The Special Olym ...

Updated: Feb 23, 2008 6:03pm PST

Rutland-Dundee / Pingree Grove Feb. 20, 2008 - Extrication accident on Rt. 72 : Rutland-Dundee and Pingree Grove firefighters battled -25° wind chill while extricating an elderly man from a pickup truck, which collided head on with a cargo van on Rt. 72 this morning. Once extricated, the patient was flown via REACT Air Ambulance to the hospital. The patient was conscious and talking to firefighters during the extrication.

Rutland-Dundee / Pingree Grove Feb. 20, 2008 - Extrication accident on Rt. 72

Rutland-Dundee and Pingree Grove firefighters battled -25° wind chill ...

Updated: Feb 20, 2008 8:51pm PST

Elgin Feb. 17, 2008 - Basement Fire 402 Miller St. : Basement fire, unknown how it started. All of the occupants were out of the house upon FD's arrival, but only 2, out of the 3 cats inside, were brought out.

Elgin Feb. 17, 2008 - Basement Fire 402 Miller St.

Basement fire, unknown how it started. All of the occupants were out ...

Updated: Feb 17, 2008 6:22pm PST

Winthrop Harbor Feb. 15, 2008 - Boat Storage facility MABAS Div 4 5 Alarm Box : Skipper Bud's indoor boat storage facility was well involved by the time I got up there. About 5 minutes before arriving, Division 4 upped it to a 4-Alarm "Special". Thank you to the Winthrop Harbor Asst. Chief giving me access this fire, as well as the officers that helped me out. I was a little far from home. ;-)

Winthrop Harbor Feb. 15, 2008 - Boat Storage facility MABAS Div 4 5 Alarm Box

Skipper Bud's indoor boat storage facility was well involved by the ti ...

Updated: Feb 15, 2008 2:03pm PST

Elgin - Feb 14, 2008 Accident with extrication - Randall and Hopps : Accident involving a minivan and a Dodge pick-up. One of the drivers had to be extricated by the Fire Dept and their injuries were very serious. More information as it becomes available. Randall Rd. was shut down in north and southbound.

Elgin - Feb 14, 2008 Accident with extrication - Randall and Hopps

Accident involving a minivan and a Dodge pick-up. One of the drivers ...

Updated: Feb 14, 2008 5:08pm PST

Rolling Meadows Feb. 11, 2008 - Townhome Fire MABAS Div 1 Box alarm : Feb. 11, 2008 (Rolling Meadows Fire Dept.) MABAS Div 1 Box #2 was called this morning for a townhome fire on Teaberry Ct. in Rolling Meadows. One person was injured and taken to Alexian Bros. for smoke inhilation, and firefighters were able to get 2 dogs out of the residence who were "just running around" according to PD. Temperature was around 8° this morning. I'm surprised these guys weren't in their shorts with this heat-wave!! ;-)

Rolling Meadows Feb. 11, 2008 - Townhome Fire MABAS Div 1 Box alarm

Feb. 11, 2008 (Rolling Meadows Fire Dept.) MABAS Div 1 Box #2 was call ...

Updated: Feb 11, 2008 11:36am PST

Bartett Feb. 9, 2008 - Injury accident with extrication Rts. 59 & 20. : Don't have a lot of particulars on this accident other than it involved this little Xion SUV and a dump truck. Bartlett Fire was trying to get helo's for transportation for at least one victim, but were told everyone was grounded because of weather. (?) Patient extricated from this (now convertible SUV) was conscious and breathing according to FD when getting him into the ambulance.

Bartett Feb. 9, 2008 - Injury accident with extrication Rts. 59 & 20.

Don't have a lot of particulars on this accident other than it involve ...

Updated: Feb 08, 2008 9:52am PST

Bartlett Feb. 6, 2008 - MABAS Div 2 - 2 Alarm box on Gromer Road : The garage of a home set back pretty far off of Irving Park Rd. (Chicago St.) was engulfed in flames upon arrival of the Bartlett FD. Water was a problem (as were snow and cold!) as there were no hydrants nearby and the road to the house was just barely wide enough to fit an Engine, much less a bunch of tankers. Thank you to Hanover Park Asst. Chief Ken Zaccard for providing the first 9 pictures from the scene last night.

Bartlett Feb. 6, 2008 - MABAS Div 2 - 2 Alarm box on Gromer Road

The garage of a home set back pretty far off of Irving Park Rd. (Chica ...

Updated: Feb 07, 2008 3:34pm PST

Elgin Feb. 6, 2008 - Tollway Rollover : Lots of snow, speeding vehicles. Driver and passenger were walking around when FD arrived on the scene. No injuries.

Elgin Feb. 6, 2008 - Tollway Rollover

Lots of snow, speeding vehicles. Driver and passenger were walking ar ...

Updated: Feb 06, 2008 11:12am PST

Elgin Feb. 4, 2008 Vehicle goes inverted in crosswalk : Somehow the driver of this Toyota Corolla flipped his vehicle at Dundee and Ann streets this afternoon. Another hour or so, that crosswalk would have been filled with kids getting out of school. The original call was for an entrapment, but the driver was out of the vehicle by the time the FD arrived. Amazingly, there were no injuries.

Elgin Feb. 4, 2008 Vehicle goes inverted in crosswalk

Somehow the driver of this Toyota Corolla flipped his vehicle at Dunde ...

Updated: Feb 04, 2008 1:19pm PST

Elgin January 31, 2008 - Randall Rd. Car Fire : A 2007 Kia Optima just started on fire in the middle of Randall Rd, IN the left traffic lane. Nobody was injured, but the driver was frozen, and a little shook up. As you can tell by looking, it was snowing pretty heavy and the winds were about 20mph. There's actually a lot more pictures but all you can see is the blowing snow!

Elgin January 31, 2008 - Randall Rd. Car Fire

A 2007 Kia Optima just started on fire in the middle of Randall Rd, IN ...

Updated: Jan 31, 2008 8:38pm PST

Schaumburg Jan. 30, 2008 - Apartment Bldg. Box Alarm : A MABAS Division 1, Box #3 was called in Schaumburg for this 3 story apartment building. The fire reportedly started on the first floor and extended through the 3rd, gutting all 3 floors of that side of the building. Temperatures were 8° and from the first picture to the last, I was there for about 25 minutes and my fingers were totally numb under 2 pairs of gloves. How these guys do this, I don't know.....

Schaumburg Jan. 30, 2008 - Apartment Bldg. Box Alarm

A MABAS Division 1, Box #3 was called in Schaumburg for this 3 story ...

Updated: Jan 30, 2008 6:19pm PST

Rutland-Dundee FPD January 25, 2008 - Vehicle rollover. No injuries : RDFPD responded to a call this afternoon of a vehicle rolled over on Boncosky Rd. The driver was amazingly, not injured and somehow got himself out of the car.

Rutland-Dundee FPD January 25, 2008 - Vehicle rollover. No injuries

RDFPD responded to a call this afternoon of a vehicle rolled over on B ...

Updated: Jan 25, 2008 8:05pm PST

Elgin Jan. 18, 2008 - Squad car hit by uninsured 17 yr.old : January 18, 2008 - 17 yr. old high school student ran into the back of an Elgin Squad car this afternoon while talking on her cell phone, (which she was still doing while Elgin Fire Department paramedics were trying to evaluate her injuries!) She was also uninsured according to police at the scene.

Elgin Jan. 18, 2008 - Squad car hit by uninsured 17 yr.old

January 18, 2008 - 17 yr. old high school student ran into the back of ...

Updated: Jan 18, 2008 5:15pm PST

Hoffman Estates Jan 17, 2008 - Tollway crash with extrication : Hoffman Estates Firefighters extricating the driver of an American Taxi who lost control of his cab while exiting at Beverly Rd.

Hoffman Estates Jan 17, 2008 - Tollway crash with extrication

Hoffman Estates Firefighters extricating the driver of an American Tax ...

Updated: Jan 17, 2008 4:28pm PST

Elgin Jan. 16, 2008 - Residential fire 616 Raymond St. : Garage fire that extended into the house. More details in a while. No one was injured, but the garage was a total loss, as well as the back portion of the house.

Elgin Jan. 16, 2008 - Residential fire 616 Raymond St.

Garage fire that extended into the house. More details in a while. N ...

Updated: Jan 16, 2008 1:54pm PST

Batavia January 15, 2008 - Vehicle recovery from Fox River : (taken from the Daily Herald) The body of a man in his late 50s was pulled out of the Fox River this afternoon in his car that went into the river Monday night.It took emergency crews about eight hours over two days to pull the submerged silver BMW out of the river on the east bank in Batavia. Ice, a strong current and bitter cold this morning made it difficult for diving crews to get to the car, which was under 12 to 15 feet of water. Click here for the full story from the Daily Herald

Batavia January 15, 2008 - Vehicle recovery from Fox River

(taken from the Daily Herald) The body of a man in his late 50s was p ...

Updated: Jan 15, 2008 1:02pm PST

Carpentersville Jan. 14, 2008 - 3 Vehicle MVA with multiple extrication : windy and snowing, Carpentersville Firefighters responded to a MVA requiring 2 people be extricated from the vehicles with one of the vehicles having had to have the top cut off to access the driver and passenger, who were seriously injured. Carpentersville Fire Chief John Schuldt said they tried to get a helicopter to airlift one of the patients but they were all grounded do to weather. 5 injuries total, 3 red, 1 yellow and 1 green.

Carpentersville Jan. 14, 2008 - 3 Vehicle MVA with multiple extrication

windy and snowing, Carpentersville Firefighters responded to a MVA req ...

Updated: Jan 14, 2008 4:14pm PST

Carpentersville Jan 11, 2008 - Residential fire : Vacant home on C'ville's east side was pushing moderate smoke on arrival of the FD. Fire was extinguished extremely fast. Unknown cause.

Carpentersville Jan 11, 2008 - Residential fire

Vacant home on C'ville's east side was pushing moderate smoke on arriv ...

Updated: Jan 14, 2008 12:36pm PST

West Dundee January 10, 2008 - Vehicle overturned on Boncosky Rd. : Still not sure what the whole story is on this one. A 17 yr. old boy, leaving from his house up in the subdivision in WD that's about 30 higher than Boncosky Rd, somehow lost control of his vehicle driving over 3 curbs and then rolling down onto Boncosky Rd. Witnesses told police that the driver was walking around after the accident obviously hurt. When I arrived, FD was just loading him onto a stretcher and taking him to the ambulance, and the boy's father was there at the scene but was not in the vehicle with him when he lost control. The boy was taken to Sherman Hospital.

West Dundee January 10, 2008 - Vehicle overturned on Boncosky Rd.

Still not sure what the whole story is on this one. A 17 yr. old boy, ...

Updated: Jan 11, 2008 10:17am PST

South Elgin Jan. 11, 2008 - Box Alarm Residential fire with fatality : This was a MABAS division 2, 2nd alarm box for 637 Kenilworth Dr. (Taken from the Daily Herald) A 73-year-old man was killed early this morning in a fire in a duplex in South Elgin, while his wife escaped suffering only smoke inhalation. The fire started in a two-unit ranch at 637 Kenilworth Ave. at about 3:47 a.m., neighbors said. South Elgin Fire Chief Joe Cluchey said the man, whose identity was not immediately available, was on oxygen and several tanks exploded while crews fought the blaze. "It's believed that the cause is accidental, but the exact source has yet to be determined," he said. Cluchey said the fire started in the front room of the two-bedroom unit, which was a total loss. He said fire did not spread to the adjoining unit and it could be inhabitable again in a few days. The duplex is on South Elgin's near west side in the Orchard View subdivision. Neighbors said they were awakened by the sound of the couple's dog barking. The elderly woman called 9-1-1, but somehow her call did not go through. So she had neighbors call again. Click here for the Daily Herald Story Click here for the Courier News Story

South Elgin Jan. 11, 2008 - Box Alarm Residential fire with fatality

This was a MABAS division 2, 2nd alarm box for 637 Kenilworth Dr. ...

Updated: Jan 11, 2008 6:22am PST

South Elgin Jan. 10, 2008 - Residential garage fire, Jenna Dr. : Residential garage fire appeared to be going pretty good upon arrival of the FD, but was knocked pretty quick. Wasn't much by the time I got there.

South Elgin Jan. 10, 2008 - Residential garage fire, Jenna Dr.

Residential garage fire appeared to be going pretty good upon arrival ...

Updated: Jan 09, 2008 5:09pm PST

Bensenville Jan 5, 2008 - Residential Garage Fire, 2 hospitalized : I was in the neighborhood well after the initial calls went out for this general alarm. 2 car garage at 614 W. Green Street in Bensenville was a total loss, as were 4 cars that were in the garage, and in the driveway. Also we just learned that 2 people were taken to area hospitals, one of them with serious burns. Thanks Chief Spain for letting me walk around to get these. Click Here for the Daily Herald Story

Bensenville Jan 5, 2008 - Residential Garage Fire, 2 hospitalized

I was in the neighborhood well after the initial calls went out for th ...

Updated: Jan 05, 2008 12:37pm PST

Elgin Jan.01, 2008 - Unlicensed driver loses control, plants car on top of a large boulder! : (featured Photo) Elgin resident Jessica Macnamara calling her husband to tell him they have a new lawn ornament after an unlicensed driver lost control of her vehicle as she sped down McLean Blvd. at the curve. The woman begged a neighbor to help her get her car off of the rock, before police got there. She obviously knew she'd be going to jail. I spoke with Jessica's husband Tom (via cell phone) who was on his way home, and he said they originally put those boulders there for landscaping, but in more cases than one, it's probably saved a life. If that boulder hadn't been there, the car traveling at the speed it had to be doing (TOO FAST) around the curve on McLean at LaSalle, would have ended up inside theirs, or their neighbors house. The fact that compounds this accident, is the fact of the driver not having a valid license, and shouldn't even had been on the road. When arriving there, I could hear the driver arguing with the police officer about her "suspended license", as if it were the officer's fault! Luckily.....there were no injuries, just property damage which the Macnamara's will most likely have to absorb since usually when someone doesn't have a license, they usually don't have a valid insurance policy either.

Elgin Jan.01, 2008 - Unlicensed driver loses control, plants car on top of a large boulder!

(featured Photo) Elgin resident Jessica Macnamara calling her husband ...

Updated: Jan 01, 2008 5:06pm PST

Elgin Jan.01, 2008 - Boy sledding found unconscious at bottom of hill : 20 or so children were sledding at Illinois Park School this afternoon, when one went over a bump in the snow, fell off and hit his head knocking him unconscious. The 10 yr. old boy's friend said he was unconscious for several minutes at the bottom of the hill, which prompted another parent who was there with his children, to call 911. The boy was conscious once inside the ambulance, but the extent of his injuries were unknown. He was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital.

Elgin Jan.01, 2008 - Boy sledding found unconscious at bottom of hill

20 or so children were sledding at Illinois Park School this afternoon ...

Updated: Jan 01, 2008 1:17pm PST