2016 Fire Department of the Year Award Winner

East Peoria, IL -- The Henry Fire Department was presented on August 22 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 135th annual convention in East Peoria, IL. Chief Dal Quinn, Training Officer Jerry Read, and Fire Investigator Mike Steele were present to receive the award on behalf of the department.

Henry Fire Department was nominated by LaPrairie Mutual Insurance Company in Henry, IL for their dedication and service. We cannot thank these individuals enough and commend them 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 lives for complete strangers, being called out at all times of the day and night and asked to fight fires of all degrees in weather conditions.

The Henry Fire Protection District is the 3rd largest district in Illinois covering 120 square miles. They are very involved in training and safety for their firefighters. They recently built and indoor training center which consists of a two-story building that can be used for various trainings, including ladder, victim search and rescue, down firefighter rescue, and RIT training (a team of two or more firefighters dedicated solely to the search and rescue of other firefighters in distress).

This department is very involved in the community and regularly host “Fire Safety in the Classroom” courses for the Kindergarten classes and annually hosts a fish fry to raise funds for many causes.  

 As active as they are brave and committed, Henry Fire Department is a model for the many fire departments in our state. The dedication and determination that this department has diligently put 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 Henry 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.