Niles Fire Department Celebrates Centennial with the Community

On Saturday June 9, 2012, the Niles Fire Department celebrated their 100th anniversary as a chartered department 

The day began wiih a Pre-Open House Ceremony attended by Mayor Callero, Village Trustees and the Village Manager as well as retirees and current department members and their families.  Fire Chief Steve Borkowski spoke to the past, present and future of the department and its members, stating “These many generations of Niles firefighters over the past 100 years have met any challenge that was presented to them with confidence, determination, expertise and a desire to help people.”  Mayor Robert Callero also spoke, thanking department members, past and present on behalf of the community that they have served.  The ceremony concluded with the ringing of the department volunteer bell in honor of the Niles firefighters who have passed away.

Following the ceremony, the station was opened to the general public where it is estimated that approximately 800 people attended the festivities which included live demonstrations by Niles firefighters of extrication, rappelling off of the roof, a live burn, Emergency Medical Services demonstrations and a health information booth staffed by Advocate Lutheran General Hospital personnel.  Firefighters and Niles Explorer Post 28 cooked hot dogs, scooped ice cream, manned fire booths and activities for children as well as welcomed and interacted with members of the community.