Q. Does the City of East Peoria buy food for the firefighters?

A. No. The firefighters are responsible for supplying their own food.

Q. Does the fire department fill swimming pools?

A. No. But occasionally the fire department will fill dunk tanks at public events for churches or schools.

Q. What is the city's ISO rating for fire protection?

A. In 2008 the city was rated by the ISO (Insurance Services Office) group. The city's current ISO rating is a 5.

Q. How do I arrange a tour of a fire station?

A. To arrancge a tour, call 698-4741 and the phone will be answered by a firefighter. He or she will ask the date you would like to have a tour and check the calendar for that day.

Q. How can I schedule a speaker?

A. A speaker from the fire department can be scheduled by calling the department's administrative assistant at 427-7768. She will leave a message with one of the assistant chiefs, who will return the call and then schedule a speaker.

Q. How can I get my blood pressure taken?

A. Stop by any fire station and the firefighters will be able to take your blood pressure, free of charge.

Q:  Why do an ambulance and a fire engine respond together on emergency medical calls?

A:  This happens for several reasons:

• Often in private residences it takes more than two firefighters to help lift the gurney around furniture and move patients up and down stairs.
• Not all calls require the extra help but often the caller is not seeing the underlying cause of the person's sickness or injury. The additional manpower becomes necessary if both of the paramedics are needed to care for the patient enroute to the hospital. This eliminates time waiting for additional help to arrive to drive the ambulance to the hospital.