Evergreen Park Gets Grant for Firefighter Accountability

Thanks to a federal grant, new computer software will keep track of Evergreen Park firefighters like never before.

With over 100 firefighters working for the Evergreen Park Fire Department, it can be difficult to keep track of who's on the scene. That's where technology comes in. After receiving a $147,000 grant through the Department of Homeland Security, the EPFD bought 29 radios, two Toughbook computers and computer software to run a state-of-the-art accountability system, said Fire Chief Ronald Kleinhaus. At the last Village Board meeting, trustees unanimously approved the purchase, which will cost the village $15,716.13, 10 percent of the total cost. The grant assumes the remaining 90 percent. Once the firefighters switch on their radios, the department can monitor who's on the scene until the firefighters get back to the fire house. “We've been …

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