Bismarck Community Fire Protection District

05/30/2026

05/29/2026

This week’s edition of First Responder Friday, we would like to introduce one of the newest members of our department, Jonas Grissom. Jonas is part of a father-and-son duo, joining alongside his father, Bradley, who also became a member of the department late last year. Their addition to the department has been special, and it has been great to see both step up to serve the community. Jonas first came to us as a student in the Carle Regional EMS EMT class hosted at Danville Area Community College. From the beginning, he showed a strong interest in emergency services and a willingness to learn. After joining the department, Jonas quickly adapted and began orienting with us as a licensed EMT, becoming a valued part of the team in a short amount of time.

Jonas currently holds the rank of Probationary Firefighter/EMT, an important stage in learning the responsibilities and expectations of the department. During this time, he continues to gain hands-on experience, strengthen his knowledge, and build confidence in both fire and EMS responses. Upon successful completion of the probationary program, Jonas will advance to the rank of Firefighter/EMT. His dedication so far shows that he is committed to growing into the role.

According to Jonas, his favorite part of being on the department is going on calls, making a difference in his community, and building relationships with his fellow volunteer firefighters and EMTs. Those reasons reflect what the fire service is all about: helping others, working together as a team, and serving something bigger than yourself. It is always encouraging to see newer members embrace both the work and the camaraderie that come with being part of the department.

When he is not running calls or working shifts at the station, Jonas can often be found at Danville Area Community College, where he is continuing his education and beginning the radiology program with the goal of becoming a radiology technician. In addition to his college studies, he has also chosen to further his EMS career by accepting a part-time position with local EMS agency AMT. Balancing college, department responsibilities, and part-time EMS work takes discipline and determination, and Jonas has shown that he is willing to put in the effort to keep moving forward.

When Jonas is not balancing work, school, and his responsibilities with the department, he enjoys spending his free time staying active and connected. He likes going to the gym to improve his physical fitness, hanging out with friends, and playing the guitar.

We are proud to have him as part of our department, and we look forward to watching him continue to grow in his fire and EMS career.

05/28/2026

🚨🚁Had a great training tonight with AirLife! We had a call come in while we were in training and all our members in attendance at the training were able to go to the call. Some of us made it back just in time to watch the helicopter land! In the video's you can tell it takes just a few minutes for the helicopter to land after they do their circling of the landing zone, then around 3 minutes for them to start up the engines and take off again!🚁

For those that did come up tonight and watch the helicopter land and take off, thank you for being respectful and keeping the distance at the Jr. High School till you were talked to, and invited to come over and see the helicopter! We always enjoy the community engagement!

Thank you to AirLife for the class tonight!

05/27/2026

Tonight we are training on landing zone (LZ) for Airlife and any other helicopters we might have to land on a scene.

Please be advised Airlife is looking to land at Station 1 in Bismarck. They will be landing in the front yard between 7:15pm and 7:30pm

We ask during the time the helicopter is landing or taking off please stay back and away for the safety of all!

05/25/2026

🚒💦 Attention All Vermilion County Fire Departments 💦🚒

Mark your calendars for June 27 and get ready for an action packed day at the Vermilion County Engine Operator Class.

This is a 100% hands on training experience built for firefighters of all experience levels, whether you are just getting started or looking to sharpen your pump operations skills.

🔥 Train on real world fireground water delivery operations including:
✅ Positive Water Supply
✅ Drafting Operations
✅ Relay Pumping
✅ Water Shuttle Operations

This is not a sit and watch class. You will be out on the apparatus, flowing water, building confidence, and learning techniques you can take back to your department immediately.

📍 Location: Vermilion County Airport
📅 Date: June 27
👨‍🚒 Open to all experience levels
⚠️ Registration is limited to 50 participants, so sign up early to secure your spot.

Come train hard, learn new skills, and spend the day with firefighters from across Vermilion County. Do not miss it! 🚒💪

Join us for a free one-day hands-on course where we explore everything related to fire ground water delivery.

05/25/2026

Today, our flags fly at half-staff in honor of the brave men and women who gave their lives while serving our country. On Memorial Day, we pause to remember the sacrifices made to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. Flying the flag at half-staff is a symbol of respect, mourning, and gratitude for those who never made it home. We encourage everyone to take a moment today to reflect on the courage and selflessness of our fallen heroes and to honor the families who carry their memory forward.

05/22/2026

First Responder Friday - Zach Hagley

This week’s edition of First Responder Friday features Zach Hagley, a steady presence within the BCFPD. Zach began his volunteer fire service career in 2017 and now has nearly nine years with the department. He currently serves as a Captain, overseeing the department’s probationary program and maintaining and inventorying fire gear to help ensure members are prepared and supported. Zach’s favorite part of the job is serving the community and teaching new probationary firefighters.

After joining the BCFPD, Zach discovered he also enjoyed providing medical care to patients. He earned his EMT-Basic certification and later accepted a full-time position with Arrow Ambulance. That mix of fire service and EMS has helped shape his leadership style—staying calm, communicating clearly, and focusing on the details that matter for both crews and patients.

As Captain, Zach plays a key role in welcoming and developing new members. He helps set expectations from day one of the probationary period, emphasizing professionalism, readiness, and strong fundamentals. He also manages essential equipment responsibilities by maintaining and inventorying fire gear—important work that keeps the department running smoothly.

Zach’s dedication to service didn’t start with the fire department. Before joining the BCFPD, he served four years in the United States Marine Corps and completed multiple overseas tours. His roles included Infantry Mortarman and Scout Sniper. Drawing on that experience, Zach teaches and mentors peers and new BCFPD members, with an emphasis on preparation, accountability, and teamwork.

Outside of emergency service, Zach enjoys woodworking and hunting, and he also serves as an ordained minister. We appreciate Zach’s continued commitment to the BCFPD and to our community—thank you for your time, energy, and leadership.

Pictured:
Left: Zach (second right) as a Scout Sniper
Right: Zach with Matt Goodner and Alex Hatcher during their 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

05/19/2026

Help them out and update your information!

This helps all first responders in our county. Updating your emergency contacts help us to get with the correct person in the time of emergency or false alarms.

🚨 📢 ATTENTION VERMILION COUNTY 📢🚨

The Vermilion County 911 Communications Center is currently updating our business emergency contact records.

Over time, businesses change ownership, managers, phone numbers, alarm contacts, and after-hours information. When records become outdated, it can delay notifications during emergencies.

Dispatchers and first responders may need to contact a responsible party for situations such as:

• Burglary or fire alarms
• Open doors after hours
• Water leaks or utility issues
• Severe weather damage
• Medical emergencies
• Suspicious activity
• Emergency evacuations

One issue we regularly encounter is responding to a business after hours for an open door or alarm activation, only to find that the emergency contacts we have on file no longer work for the business or the phone numbers are no longer valid. This can delay notifying someone who can properly secure the building or handle the situation.

Having accurate contact information helps us quickly reach the right person when time matters most.

If you own or manage a business in Vermilion County, please take a few minutes to complete the form below with your updated information. Even if you believe we already have your information on file, submitting updated information again is greatly appreciated.

🔗 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemfpEHg-luTeuDA7X5vO1OZ60cus55e7r16OLwgwxKbmzgog/viewform?usp=header

🔒 Information submitted will be used for emergency response purposes only and will only be accessible and seen by the Vermilion County 911 Communications Center.

Thank you for helping us better serve and protect our community!

— Vermilion County 911 💛

05/16/2026

As today is National Armed Forces Day, we would like to recognize and thank the members of our department who have proudly served, or are currently serving, in the United States military.

Tim Heinrichs — Board President — U.S. Navy
Scott Cropper — Board Member — U.S. Air Force
Justin Watt — Deputy Chief — U.S. Air Force
Zach Hagley — Captain — U.S. Marine Corps
Trent Lomax — Firefighter/EMT — U.S. Marine Corps
Owen Crawley — Firefighter — U.S. Army Reserve
Ayden Golden — Firefighter — U.S. Army Reserve

We sincerely appreciate their dedication, sacrifice, and continued commitment to serving our community and our country.

05/15/2026

First Responder Friday - John Long

For this week’s edition of First Responder Friday, I’d like to introduce John Long—a dedicated member of the Bismarck Community Fire Protection District since 2011. Over the years, John has consistently answered the call to serve, supporting his neighbors and helping keep our community safe.

John currently serves as a Firefighter/EMR (Emergency Medical Responder). In this role, he helps provide critical support during emergencies—whether that means assisting with patient care while EMS is en route, helping stabilize a situation on scene, or working alongside fellow firefighters to ensure operations run safely and efficiently.

When asked what he enjoys most about the department, John points to the connection it creates with the community he calls home. He values being part of a team that shows up for others on their toughest days. He also appreciates the relationships and camaraderie built within the department—bonds that grow through training, calls, and the shared commitment to serve.

Like many members of the BCFPD, John balances his volunteer service with a full-time career. He works as a mechanic at a local distributor—an important job that requires skill, problem-solving, and attention to detail. That same steady mindset carries over into his work with the fire district, where he uses his experience as a mechanic to teach others.

Outside of the firehouse, John enjoys working on classic cars and spending time outdoors. He especially looks forward to camping trips with his wife, Cindi—time to unplug, recharge, and make memories together.

Please join us in thanking John Long for his continued dedication to the Bismarck Community Fire Protection District and for the time he gives to support our community.

Pictures:
Left: John saving a dog from underneath debris in a house fire. This led to John meeting his wife, Cindi.
Right: John pumping Engine 2 in the Hoopeston Tire Fire.