Month: June 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: June 6, 2026

Contact: Richard “Rick” Petersen, Fire Chief
Subject: Manteno Community Fire Protection District has been Awarded Two Grants from the State of Illinois Totaling $33,416.70

Manteno, Illinois — The Manteno Community Fire Protection District is pleased to announce it has been awarded two State of Illinois grants totaling $33,416.70 to replace critical equipment that will enhance firefighter safety, improve patient care, and strengthen emergency response capabilities for the community.

The first grant was from the Office of the State Fire Marshal Small Equipment Grant Program for $26,000.00 The funding will help offset the cost of purchasing four (4) Ferno Transcend Stair Chairs equipped with Power Trax systems. The stair chairs are heavily utilized in being able to safely and effectively remove patients from residences or environments that make it difficult to transfer patients to the ambulance on a stretcher.  The stair chairs have proven to provide safer transfer for patients, while also reducing the risk of firefighter injuries from heavy lifting.

The second Grant was from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Volunteer Fire Assistance Program for $7,416.70. This Grant will provide funds to assist in replacement of older hose and nozzles and improve fire suppression effectiveness.

These grant awards are an important investment in both our personnel and the community we serve.

These grant awards reflect the Fire District’s continued commitment to the public we serve and to providing safe reliable emergency services. The Fire District is grateful for the support of the State of Illinois in helping local fire agencies maintain readiness and protect their communities.

Manteno, IL – On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Manteno Community Fire Protection District responded to a reported structure fire at 333 S. Spruce St. in Manteno. While crews were responding, incident information was updated to indicate a reported battery fire. Auto-aid units from Manhattan, Bourbonnais, Grant Park, Bradley, and Aroma Park also responded but were returned prior to their on-scene arrival.

Manteno Fire crews arrived on scene within five minutes, confirmed that the facility had been fully evacuated, and determined that the fire had already been extinguished by fire brigade members. Fire brigade members isolated the battery pack and removed it from the building to a quarantine area while Manteno Fire crews remained on standby and monitored the situation.

Manteno Fire crews remained on scene for approximately 20 minutes to ensure the building and surrounding environment were safe for employees to return. The incident posed no hazard to the public, Gotion employees, or fire personnel. The fire remains under investigation at this time.