Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees for January 19, 2026

New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees Meeting | January 19, 2026

The New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees advanced several capital improvements and administrative appointments during its regular meeting on Monday, January 19, 2026. In addition to passing a $3.1 million budget for Station 62 construction and initiating the promotion of a new Deputy Chief, the Board approved the purchase of critical medical transport equipment and reviewed the District’s year-end financials.

Stryker Cot Purchase Approved: The Board unanimously approved the purchase of a new Stryker Cot system. Lieutenant Lucas Rettke obtained the quote for the equipment, noting that the District currently utilizes the Stryker lift system. The District’s existing cot has exceeded its designated 14-year lifespan, prompting the necessary replacement. The purchase passed 5-0 following a motion by Trustee Fischer and a second by Trustee Sauter.

West Rock Facility Fire: Deputy Chief Randolph commended District crews for their rapid response to a fire at West Rock, a local cardboard manufacturing facility, on the Thursday prior to the meeting. Randolph noted the incident “could have escalated quickly” given the combustible nature of the manufacturing environment, but firefighters did a great job keeping the blaze in check and extinguishing it. The District received positive feedback from West Rock management regarding the handling of the emergency.

District Financials and Audit: The Board unanimously approved the Treasurer’s Report for December 2025. The District began December with a balance of $10,763,595.00. Following

$402,836.00inreceiptsand($

1,374,411.00) in total disbursements, the ending cash balance as of December 31, 2025, was

$9,792,\mathrm{020.00.}TheJanuary9,2026,payrolltotaled($

268,325.00), with Accounts Payable for the month reaching ($357,178.00). Total cash on deposit as of January 19 stood at $9,166,518.00. Chief Adam Riegel also noted that the District’s 2025 Financial Audit has officially commenced.

Fire Commissioner Hiring Update: Fire Commissioner Brian Fischer reported that the Commission conducted interviews with 15 firefighter candidates during its January 8 meeting, successfully approving an Initial Eligibility List. The Commission is scheduled to meet again on Friday, January 23, at 8:30 a.m. to approve the Final Eligibility List to fill upcoming vacancies.

Upcoming ISO Inspection: Chief Riegel informed the Board that the Insurance Services Office (ISO) is scheduled to visit the District on February 3. ISO ratings evaluate the preparedness and capabilities of local fire departments, which can directly impact property insurance rates for residential and commercial property owners within the District.