On November 13th, 2001, the Tinley Park Volunteer Fire Department celebrated its 100th year anniversary. On November 13, 1901, 20 members of a small farming community called Tinley Park decided that a volunteer fire department was needed. That was the beginning. In 1902 they purchased a reeled hose cart, which was pulled to fires by hand. This was the Department’s first piece of rolling equipment. It originally carried 500 ft. of hose, 2 nozzles, 1 axe, a pry bar and 2 buckets. Fire Station 1 was built on the same site as the current Fire Station in 1919. And in 1926, the first motorized piece of equipment was purchased – an REO Speedwagon pumper.

As time went on, the Tinley Park Volunteer Fire Department grew at a rapid pace. Members became qualified as “Certified Firefighters” by the state, they were able to utilize modern equipment, including the first 911 communication center in northern Illinois, and fire engines designed by our Department became known as the “Tinley Park specification” and have established new standards for the industry. Other programs that allow the Department to maintain a Class 3 Rating were a looped municipal water system, commercial sprinkling requirements, fire training programs, and a state-of-the-art training facility.

Over 450 volunteer firefighters have contributed to the last 100 years, and the support of the businesses and residents of Tinley Park, during our annual Fund Drive have helped us build one of the best trained, best equipped fire departments in the state. With 7 fire engines, 4 fire trucks, and 9 support vehicles, the current membership had grown to 100+ members in 2001.

At the time of its founding, the Tinley Park Volunteer Fire Department established and still has the motto:

Please stop by and see the memorial statue located at 173rd Place and Oak Park Avenue, and see the names of the dedicated firefighters that have carried on this 100-year tradition.

(click to enlarge)