The Albion Fire Department was honored as the Fire Department of the Year at the 142nd Convention of the Illinois Association of Mutual Insurance Companies in August.
Nominated by United Mutual Insurance Company, Manager, Shane Pritchett, wrote, “The Albion Fire/Albion Rural Fire Department is a volunteer department which serves the needs of the residents in the City of Albion, as well as rural Edwards and Wayne County. Over the past several years, the department has worked diligently to make improvements through training opportunities and by implementing training requirements. Their hard work has taken the department from a basic fire department to one that now provides First Responder medical assistance and hazardous materials services, in addition to fire response. The First Responder program, which began in 2020, has been a great asset to the community. The fire department works alongside the ambulance service during medical calls and fills the gap by providing medical services when there is a delay in ambulance response. The Albion Fire/Albion Rural Fire Department also gives back to the community through fun learning opportunities. They host Breakfast with Santa at the fire station, where children can explore fire equipment and meet local firefighters. They, along with Sparky the Fire Dog, teach fire safety to students in Pre-K through second grade. At Farm Bureau Day, they provide local fourth graders the opportunity to gain experience in fire safety by using a fire extinguisher simulator. They also host educational gatherings in small groups such as Boy Scouts and home school groups. Along with their regular duties, assistance is always provided to the local fair board and Edwards County school system with preparation and services during the annual county fair and school events. feel that the Albion Fire/Albion Rural Fire Department is an asset to the community during both times of need and times of fun and learning.”