Effingham Fire Department

05/28/2026

Today’s duty crew had a special visit from our friends at Legacy Harley-Davidson here in Effingham.

Legacy generously donated custom t‑shirts for our entire department, featuring a unique Maltese Cross blended with the Harley-Davidson logo—a thoughtful nod to the traditions and values of the fire service.

On behalf of the Effingham Fire Department, we want to say thank you to Legacy Harley-Davidson for their support of our firefighters and our community. Your generosity is truly appreciated.

📸 Pictured: today’s duty crew, along with representatives from Legacy Harley-Davidson and their motorcycles.

05/25/2026

Today, members of the Effingham Fire Department conducted drone training alongside the Effingham Police Department and the Effingham County Sheriff's Office, Illinois. Even on Memorial Day, our crews took advantage of the beautiful weather to continue sharpening skills and strengthening interagency coordination.

Training together helps ensure we are prepared to better serve our community during emergencies, searches, disasters, and critical incidents. We appreciate the partnership and teamwork from everyone involved today.

While many enjoyed the holiday, we also remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 🇺🇸

05/20/2026

🚒 Congratulations to Effingham Firefighter Brandon Duncan! 🎉

The Effingham Fire Department would like to congratulate Brandon Duncan on successfully completing the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) Basic Operations Firefighter (BOF) Blended Firefighting Program in Marion, Illinois.

Over the past 18 weeks, Brandon completed more than 200 hours of hands-on training, weekly online virtual learning sessions, assignments, quizzes, and ten practical training weekends. During the program, he also completed Courage to Be Safe, Resiliency Awareness, Opioid Awareness, and the online portion of Fire Service Vehicle Operator (FSVO) training.

This intensive program prepares firefighters to meet the Job Performance Requirements associated with Illinois firefighter certification and requires a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and sacrifice. Brandon’s final step toward certification will be completion of 40 hours of Hazardous Materials Operations training over the next month. Upon completion, he will hold HazMat Awareness and HazMat Operations certifications as well.

This hands-on academy focuses on real-world fireground operations, critical thinking, and safety, preparing firefighters to operate confidently and effectively in emergency situations.

We are incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice Brandon has shown throughout this program. Please join us in congratulating him and thanking him for his continued commitment to the fire service and to serving the Effingham community. 👏🔥

05/19/2026

Press Release

Date: May 16, 2026, 2026
Incident: Structure Fire
Address: 1017 N Henrietta St

The Effingham Fire Department received a call at 06:00 a.m. for a report of a single story home on fire with flames showing. The fire was reported by the homeowner. Upon arrival, first arriving crews had heavy smoke showing from the front of the structure.

Fire crews performed an aggressive interior fire attack and were able to quickly bring the fire under control. Crews worked to check for occupants and pets in the building and conducted a primary search, confirming all occupants were out of the structure.

The fire originated in the kitchen area of the home. Firefighters completed overhaul operations and checked for extension. The fire was determined to be accidental, and damage is estimated at $85,000. Homeowner is displaced as a result of the fire. The Effingham Fire Department was assisted by the Effingham Police Department, Rural Med EMS, Teutopolis Fire Protection District, Shumway Fire Protection District, and Ameren Electric. There were no injuries.

Cause: Accidental
Estimated Damage: $85,000
Displaced Residents: 1
Injuries: None

Matt Kulesza
Assistant Fire Chief
Effingham Fire Department

05/14/2026

Reminder today, 1 till 3 PM 

05/10/2026

🚗👶 FREE Car Seat Event in Effingham! 👶🚗

Parents, grandparents, and caregivers — stop by the Effingham Fire Department on Thursday, May 14th from 1:00–3:00 PM for a FREE car seat event!

Certified technicians will be available to:
✅ Check your child’s car seat installation
✅ Answer safety questions
✅ Help ensure your child is riding safely

📍 Effingham Fire Department
🗓 Thursday, May 14
⏰ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Help keep our little passengers safe on the road! Share this post with family and friends in the community. 💙

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day from the Effingham Fire Department!

Today, we want to recognize and thank all of the amazing moms, grandmothers, stepmothers, foster mothers, and mother figures in our community. Your love, strength, sacrifice, and support help make our families and community stronger every single day.

A special thank you goes out to the mothers serving within our department, as well as the spouses and moms who support our firefighters behind the scenes. The fire service demands long hours, missed holidays, late-night calls, and time away from family — and none of it would be possible without your unwavering support and understanding.

We hope everyone has a safe, relaxing, and happy Mother’s Day surrounded by the people who matter most. ❤️🚒

05/05/2026

WoodmenLife continues to be an incredible partner to the Effingham Fire Department.

This week, they generously provided a meal for our meeting night that our crews thoroughly enjoyed, donated funds to purchase carbon monoxide detectors that will help protect families in our community, and presented a beautiful flag for our ladder truck.

We are deeply grateful for their ongoing support and commitment to our firefighters and the citizens we serve.

Thank you, WoodmenLife, for always going above and beyond for Effingham year after year.

05/05/2026

🚨 WE’RE HIRING – PAID-ON-CALL FIREFIGHTERS 🚨

Ready to answer the call?

The Effingham Fire Department is looking for motivated individuals who want to serve their community, gain lifelong skills, and be part of a team that makes a difference.

💰 Starting Pay: $21.10/hour
🔥 Paid Training Provided
📅 Flexible Scheduling
📈 Opportunities for Certifications & Career Growth

Whether you're looking to start a career in the fire service or just want to give back to your community—this is your chance.

Minimum Qualifications:
✔️ 18+ years old
✔️ Valid driver’s license
✔️ Live within 10 miles of Effingham
✔️ Physically fit and ready to serve

📞 Call: (217) 342-2555
📧 Email: [email protected]

🌐 Apply/Info: www.effinghamil.com/departments/fire-and-rescue/

👉 Tag someone who would be a great fit or share this post to help us find our next firefighter!

04/30/2026