Evanston First Responders Foundation

05/25/2026

'𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗚𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝗿, 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲'.

We Honor and Salute All the Evanstonians who made the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE. Today's ceremony at the Fountain Square Memorial Wall gathering at 10am with the program starting at 10:30am 🇺🇸

Photo: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery.

05/20/2026

- Here's an opportunity to thank Chief PAUL POLEP as we walks out into his retirement after 30 years. Thank you, Chief, for your selfless service to our Great City of Evanston and to the EFD 🇺🇸.

Please join us tomorrow for Chief Polep’s walkout ceremony at 3PM. Open house at Fire Department Headquarters from 1-3PM. Stop by and wish Chief Polep a Happy Retirement!

05/15/2026

The 𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗡 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 SALUTES AND HONORS FIREFIGHTER STEVEN DECKER who was killed in the Line of Duty during a training session.

As of May 14, 2026, the Chicago Fire Department has suffered two on-duty fatalities in 2026.Steven Decker (61): A 30-year veteran Engineer with Engine 71 died on May 14, 2026, after collapsing during a training exercise on the North Side.

Michael Altman (32): A firefighter/EMT with Truck 47 died in March 2026, after falling through a floor while battling a fire in Rogers Park.

The 𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗡 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 thanks All the Men and Women who Wear the Uniform of their city's fire department in their selfless sacrifice service to the communities they serve.

At the EFRF we are utmost proud of the Men and Women who Wear the Uniform of the Evanston Fire Department daily in service to the Citizens of Evanston and to the EFD.

05/12/2026

- The 𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗡 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 Salutes National Police Week 2026 which runs from May 10–16, 2026, with Peace Officers Memorial Day observed on Friday, May 15. This week honors law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, featuring the 37th Annual Candlelight Vigil and the National Peace Officers Memorial Service in Washington, D.C.

This year we recently Honored Chicago Police Officer JOHN BARTHOLOMEW Killed in the Line of Duty.

The 𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗡 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 Salutes All the Men and Women who Wear the Uniform of the Evanston Police Department and their Selfless Service and Sacrifice to our Great City of Evanston and to the EPD.

05/04/2026

The 𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗡 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 Salutes 𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙛 𝙋𝘼𝙐𝙇 𝙋𝙊𝙇𝙀𝙋 on your 30 years of Selfless Service to All the Citizens of Evanston and to All the Men and Women who Wear the Uniform of the Evanston Fire Department. Here's to Hearty Congratulations on your next chapter in your Life's Journey.

04/30/2026

𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗡 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 Salutes these four Evanston First Responders on each of their promotions. We thank these four and all the Men and Women who Wear the Uniform of the Evanston Fire Department for their Selfless Service and Sacrifice each and every day. THANK YOU.

The Evanston Fire Department is pleased to announce the promotion of four members in recognition of their leadership, experience, and service to the community.

On February 23, 2026, James Trippi was promoted to Captain, and William Lynch was promoted to Fire Apparatus Operator. Effective May 4, 2026, Jeffrey Gonzalez will be promoted to Captain, and Niels Olsen will be promoted to Fire Apparatus Officer.

Please join us in congratulating them on their well-deserved achievements.

04/26/2026

Chicago Police Officer, 𝗝𝗢𝗛𝗡 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗪, 38, a ten year veteran of the Chicago Police Department has been identified as killed, one of the two officers shot at the 49th Ward Swedish Hospital on Chicago's Northside. The other officer, 57, a twenty one year officer of the department remains in critical condition.

𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗡 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 Honors both officers and all the Selfless Service all our First Responders perform on a daily basis. We Evanstonians are beyond grateful for All Our First Responders.

Chicago police officer killed at Swedish Hospital identified – NBC Chicago https://share.google/q3rH95M188dlJg36E

04/20/2026

- A Hearty Congratulations to new Division Chief COURTNEY EDWARDS. Thank you for your Selfless Service to Our Evanston Community and to the Evanston Fire Department.

The Evanston Fire Department (EFD) is proud to announce the promotion of Courtney Edwards to the rank of Division Chief effective Monday, May 4, 2026. Captain Edwards has served the Department with distinction, consistently demonstrating strong leadership, sound decision-making, and a deep commitment to serving both the EFD members and the Evanston community.

02/17/2026

Our Evanston First Responders, the Evanston Police Department, have opened up applications to the Spring Session to the long standing Evanston Community Police Academy. With now close to 1000 graduates since its Founding in 1995 this 12-week session provides a unique overview into the Roles and Responsibilities of the Men and Women who wear the Uniform of the Evanston Police Department. You must be 18 or older, and, live or work in Evanston to be be in this session.

Now Accepting Applications – Spring 2026 EPD Community Police Academy (Class 60)!

Ever wondered what it’s really like to be a police officer? Curious about law enforcement? Looking for a meaningful way to connect with your community?

This is your opportunity.

The Evanston Police Department is excited to open registration for our Spring 2026 Community Police Academy. It’s a FREE, 12-week, behind-the-scenes experience you won’t forget!

📅 March 10 – May 26, 2026
🕕 Tuesdays | 6:00 – 8:30 PM
📍 Evanston Fire Department HQ | 909 Lake St.

Get ready for hands-on, interactive sessions including:
🚓 Mock crime scenes
🚦 Traffic stop scenarios
🐕 K-9 demonstrations
🔎 Criminal investigations
⚖️ Court procedures
…and so much more!

This isn’t just a class. It's an inside look at modern policing and a chance to build meaningful connections with the officers serving our community.

Spots are limited so apply today: https://tinyurl.com/CPASPRING

Tag a friend who would love this experience and join us this spring!