Construction Advances on New Manhattan Fire Station; Ambulance Repairs Scheduled

Manhattan Fire Protection District Meeting | Nov. 17, 2025

Article Summary: Fire Chief Steve Malone updated the board on the progress of the new fire station, reporting that the apparatus bay is erected and concrete work is underway. The district is also managing a rotation of ambulance repairs following recent traffic accidents.

Operations and Facilities Key Points:

• Station Construction: The apparatus bay at the new station is up, concrete slabs are being poured, and electrical work is progressing.

• Ambulance Rotation: Ambulance 81 was involved in a minor accident but remains operable; it will undergo repairs once a previously crashed ambulance returns to service in late December.

• Peotone Coordination: The Fire Marshal is waiting for the Village of Peotone to pass updated fire codes, and the district has finalized a “Standard of Cover” document merging Manhattan and Peotone data.

The Manhattan Fire Protection District Board of Trustees on Monday, November 17, 2025, received updates on capital projects and fleet maintenance, including the status of the new fire station construction.

Chief Steve Malone reported that work on the new station is moving forward, with the apparatus bay structure now standing. Crews are currently pouring concrete slabs and advancing the electrical systems.

In fleet news, Chief Malone informed the board that Ambulance 81 was involved in a minor traffic accident. While the vehicle remains operable for the time being, it will eventually need to go out of service for repairs. The Battalion Chief’s report indicated that the district is waiting for another ambulance—which had crashed last year—to return to service by late December. Once that vehicle is back, Ambulance 81 will be taken offline for its repairs.

The Battalion Chiefs also noted that two new brush trucks are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026.

The meeting also highlighted administrative coordination with the Village of Peotone. The Fire Marshal reported that the district is currently waiting for Peotone to pass updated fire codes. Additionally, Chief Malone noted that the new “Standard of Cover” document has been finalized, utilizing five years of data that merges information from both Peotone and Manhattan.