Steeleville Named 2015 Fire Department of the Year

East Peoria, IL -- The Steeleville Fire Department was presented on August 17 with the Fire Department of the Year Award by the Illinois Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (IAMIC).  This award is chosen from departments throughout the entire state of Illinois. Presentation was made during IAMIC’s 134th annual convention in East Peoria, IL. Captain Terry Alms was present to receive the award on behalf of the department.

            Steeleville Fire Department was nominated by Randolph Mutual Insurance Company and Bob Reiss Adjusting in Steeleville, IL for their dedication and service. We cannot thank these individuals enough for the hard work and effort they put forth to revitalize and renew our community.

            Firefighters are known for their dedication - after all, it takes a special person to risk their life for complete strangers, being called out at all times of the day and night, asked to fight fires of all degrees in all types of weather conditions.

            Steeleville has 23 paid, on-call firefighters and the department ran 302 calls in 2014.  Of those calls, 244 were EMS calls. They have two pumper trucks, a 2500 tanker truck, a rescue truck, a brush truck and a chief truck. The town has earned an ISO rating of 4.

            Andy Gerlach, Manager of Randolph Mutual wrote, "I am proudly nominating Steeleville Fire Department not only for their commitment and community involvement, but for their dedication to personally becoming top notch trained firefighters and volunteer first responders."

            Bob Reiss, Owner of Bob Reiss Adjusting, also nominated Steeleville, noting, "As an insurance adjuster, it is a pleasure to work with this department - they are very professional and do the right thing to preserve a fire scene." 

            As active as they are brave and committed, Steeleville Fire Department is a model for the many fire departments in our state. The dedication and determination that this department has diligently show toward the betterment and safety of their community earns them badges of honor with every service call and it is with great honor that the Illinois Association of Mutual Insurance Companies recognized the Steeleville Fire Department with this award.

            Fire departments from throughout the state are eligible to be nominated for the award with one being chosen annually. IAMIC established the award because of the importance of fire departments in preserving life and property in their local communities. This prestigious award recognizes them for going above and beyond the normal call of duty.

            The Illinois Association of Mutual Insurance Companies is a trade association comprised of farm mutual insurance companies. Mutual insurance, like the farming industry, has been a part of the Illinois landscape for well over a century. IAMIC provides member companies with the educational opportunities, professional development, legislative support, and industry recognition.

To nominate your company for the Fire Department of the Year Award, click here.