Manhattan Fire District Hires Three Full-Time Paramedics, Reports Progress on New Station
Manhattan Fire Protection District Meeting | Jan. 19, 2026
Article Summary: The Manhattan Fire Protection District Board authorized the immediate hiring of three firefighter/paramedics and prepared for a potential vacancy due to an injury, while receiving positive updates on the new station’s construction.
Manhattan Fire District Key Points:
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New Hires: The Board approved the hiring of three full-time Firefighter/Paramedics retroactive to January 1, 2026.
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Contingent Vacancy: A fourth hire was authorized contingent on the outcome of a February 9 pension hearing for an injured firefighter.
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Station Construction: Crews have poured the mezzanine and are installing trusses at the new fire station.
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2025 Call Volume: Chief Steve Malone reported that the District responded to 2,733 calls for service in 2025.
The Manhattan Fire Protection District Board of Trustees on Monday, January 19, 2026, moved to bolster its ranks by approving multiple personnel additions while reviewing significant construction progress at the District’s new fire station.
During the meeting, the Board addressed immediate staffing needs by approving a motion to hire three full-time Firefighter/Paramedics. According to the minutes, the Board of Commissioners recently met to select the candidates from the current eligibility list. The Trustees voted to make these hires retroactive to January 1, 2026, noting that all three positions were already accounted for in the 2026 budget. Trustee Brian Hupe made the motion, which was seconded by Trustee Mike Shivers and passed.
The Board also prepared for a potential vacancy regarding an injured firefighter. Trustees authorized the Board of Commissioners to hire one additional Firefighter/Paramedic from the current list, contingent upon an upcoming opening. The minutes indicate that a pension hearing is scheduled for February 9 regarding the injured employee. Trustee Shivers made the motion to approve this contingent hiring plan.
In his monthly report, Fire Chief Steve Malone provided a status update on the construction of the new fire station. He reported that on the firefighter side of the facility, the mezzanine has been poured and trusses are currently being installed. He added that the administrative side of the building is “moving along nicely.”
Chief Malone also shared end-of-year statistics, announcing that the District responded to a total of 2,733 calls in 2025. Looking ahead, he noted that the District’s ISO audit is scheduled for March 5.
Briefs:
District Finances Strong
James Howard of Governmental Accounting presented the December 12-month financial analysis. He reported that the District has collected 97% of its total budgeted revenue, including 100% of property taxes. Additionally, ambulance fee revenue came in 3% higher than expected. Howard noted that year-end expenditures also looked positive. The Board voted to approve the treasurer’s report and pay the bills as presented.
Solar Farm and Battery Facility Updates
The Fire Marshal reported that the solar farm on Gougar Road is now operational. Additionally, the department held a pre-application meeting with Will County officials regarding battery facilities and is scheduled to meet with Earthrise. The Fire Marshal is also currently working on fire report plan reviews.
Part-Time Recruitment Drive
Deputy Chief Dave Piper reported that the District recently conducted 20 interviews for part-time and intern applicants. Decisions on these candidates will be made soon, with selected applicants expected to start on March 1 following background checks and physicals.
Apparatus Maintenance Issues
The Battalion Chiefs Report noted that various apparatus experienced mechanical issues over the past week. Staff expressed hope that the equipment repairs would be completed by the end of the week to ensure full fleet availability.
Meeting Date Change
The Board announced that the February monthly meeting has been rescheduled. It will now take place on Tuesday, February 17.
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