Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire & Emergency Services - Great Lakes

06/01/2026

🚨 National Safety Month: Week 1: Moving Safety Forward 🚨

June is National Safety Month, and this week’s theme is Moving Safety Forward.

Safety is more than responding when something goes wrong, it starts with prevention, awareness, and taking small steps before an emergency happens.

As we move into warmer weather and busier summer months, now is a great time to move safety forward at home, at work, and in our community:

🔥 Test your smoke alarms.
🔥 Review your home fire escape plan.
🔥 Keep exits, hallways, and stairways clear.
🔥 Talk with your family about what to do in an emergency.
🔥 Report hazards when you see them, don’t wait until they become a problem.

A strong safety culture starts with all of us. Small actions today can help prevent emergencies tomorrow.

05/30/2026

🚒 Today was a proud day for the Great Lakes Fire Department! During the Safety Stand Down at Ross Theater, Firefighter Ojeda was recognized as Civilian of the Quarter (Junior), and Captain Dowdall was recognized as Civilian of the Quarter (Supervisor). These awards highlight their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. 👏

Later in the day, Firefighter Rochelle, Firefighter Gough, Firefighter Sheaib, Firefighter/Paramedic Ratcliff, Firefighter/Paramedic Bott, Captain Mix, and Captain Dowdall were awarded the Civilian Service Achievement Medal for their lifesaving actions during a recruit cardiac arrest. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional service and significant contributions to mission accomplishment. Their swift response, teamwork, and dedication helped save a life, and we could not be more proud of their accomplishments.
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Congratulations to all of today's award recipients!

05/26/2026

🇺🇸 Reflecting on Memorial Day 2026

As we move forward from Memorial Day, we continue to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is the true meaning of this holiday, and it deserves our continued respect and gratitude.

As families gathered over the holiday weekend and continue to enjoy the start of summer, your Fire Prevention Team reminds everyone that simple safety steps can help protect the people we love.

When grilling this season:

🔥 Keep grills clean and free of grease buildup.
🔥 Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the grilling area.
🔥 Place grills away from homes, deck railings, and overhanging branches.
🔥 Never leave a lit grill unattended.
🔥 Let charcoal coals cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container.

We remember. We honor. We never forget.
And as our community gathers throughout the summer, we encourage everyone to do so safely.

05/20/2026

Proficiency training with Quint 1932

05/20/2026

Your local Fire Prevention Team is here for you! 🚒🔥

We’re proud to serve our community by helping families, children, and residents learn simple ways to stay safe at home, at school, and everywhere in between.

Stop by, say hello, ask questions, and let the kids grab a Junior Firefighter badge sticker while they’re here! 👩‍🚒🧑‍🚒

Fire prevention starts with education, awareness, and teamwork — and we’re here to help every step of the way.

Your safety is our mission. Your community is our priority.

05/11/2026

05/04/2026

Today, we proudly recognize International Firefighters’ Day and honor our fellow brothers and sisters in the fire service.

Firefighters across the world answer the call with courage, compassion, and dedication, often putting the safety of others before their own. Whether responding to fires, medical emergencies, rescues, disasters, or helping educate the community, their commitment does not go unnoticed.

To every firefighter serving near and far: thank you for your sacrifice, your bravery, and your unwavering service to others. We honor those who continue to serve, and we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Happy International Firefighters’ Day.

05/04/2026

Great Lakes Fire Prevention Safety Message: May the Fourth Be With You

Even in a galaxy far, far away, fire safety matters.

This May the Fourth, don’t let the “dark side” of fire hazards sneak into your home or workplace. Check your smoke alarms, keep exits clear, avoid overloading outlets, and never leave cooking unattended, not even for a quick lightsaber battle.

A few simple safety habits can help protect your crew, your home, and your base.

Stay alert. Stay prepared. And remember…

May the Fourth, AND FIRE SAFETY, be with you.

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04/27/2026

Great Lakes Fire Prevention Safety Message: Spring Storms Are Rolling In! ⛈️🌷

Spring weather can be a little dramatic. One minute it’s sunshine, and the next it’s lightning, strong winds, and power outages. A little prep now can make a big difference when storms show up.

Before the next storm rolls through, take a few minutes to check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, make sure your flashlights have fresh batteries, and keep them somewhere easy to find. Skip the candles during power outages if you can, flashlights are the safer choice.

Using a generator? Keep it outside only and far away from doors, windows, and garages. Carbon monoxide is invisible, odorless, and dangerous, so generator placement matters.

Spring storms may be unpredictable, but your safety plan doesn’t have to be. Make a plan, stay weather aware, and be ready! ⚡🔦🏠

04/22/2026

Sunday, Firefighters from Great Lakes and local mutual aid partners suppressed a residential fire, successfully preventing the blaze from spreading into the primary living quarters. An aggressive attack by the combined crews brought the fire under control and saved the main home with no injuries reported. We’d like to thank our local partners for their assistance on scene, as well as to dispatch for their vital coordination and support.