Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Fire Protection District for March 16, 2026

Manhattan Fire Protection District Meeting | March 16, 2026

The Manhattan Fire Protection District Board of Trustees held its regular meeting on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Fire Station #81. The meeting featured comprehensive updates from the district’s command staff regarding the department’s mutual aid response to a tornado in Kankakee, ongoing progress on the new fire station, and the pending delivery of two new brush trucks. Administratively, the board reviewed early 2026 financials, noting $76,359.00 in collected ambulance fees, and discussed compliance strategies for the “No Tax on Overtime” law and ACA insurance thresholds. The meeting, which began at 4:00 p.m., was adjourned at 4:29 p.m. following a motion by Trustee Mike Shivers and a second by Trustee Bill Weber.

Steve Malone Reappointed to Pension Board: Under new business, the Board of Trustees took action to maintain continuity on the district’s pension oversight panel. On a motion made by Trustee Brian Hupe and seconded by Trustee Bob Davis, the board unanimously approved the reappointment of Chief Steve Malone to the Manhattan FPD Firefighters Pension Fund Board.

Public Education Initiatives Expanding: The district’s public education division reported a busy schedule of community outreach. Recent events included a “Learn not to Burn” program delivered to 36 preschoolers and a CPR training certification class for 33 students. Additionally, one local student was recently awarded a ride to school in a fire engine. The district’s public educator has also officially become a Red Cross instructor after completing the required Instructor 1 course.

Irish Fest Operations: During his monthly report, Chief Steve Malone provided a brief after-action review of the Manhattan Irish Fest. Malone reported that the community festival “went well” from a public safety standpoint. The fire district maintained a visible presence with its command van stationed on-site throughout the event, and the chief discussed the specific call volume generated during the festival weekend with the board.