During a recent city council meeting, public safety emerged as the top priority for Elmhurst officials, with discussions highlighting the achievements and future goals of both the police and fire departments.

City leaders expressed pride in the Elmhurst Police Department, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership and community partnerships in maintaining safety across DuPage County. The collaborative efforts among local law enforcement agencies were noted, particularly in response to crime prevention initiatives.

Transitioning to fire safety, Fire Chief Dufort presented the 2025 Fire Department budget, reflecting on a busy year with over 5,496 calls for service. Notably, the department has successfully reduced false alarms through improved fire prevention measures, such as the installation of advanced smoke detectors. The chief reported that 66% of calls were emergency medical services (EMS) related, underscoring the department's critical role in community health.

The Elmhurst Fire Department has maintained its prestigious Class 1 rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), a designation held by only 400 departments nationwide. This rating is based on various factors, including response times, which currently average 4 minutes and 5 seconds—well below the industry standard.

In addition to operational achievements, the department received a state grant of $850,000 for a new fire engine, with construction set to begin in December. The city also celebrated the completion of a first responders memorial, which was finished ahead of schedule and under budget.

Looking ahead, the fire department aims to continue enhancing community outreach and maintaining high service standards, reinforcing their commitment to public safety and collaboration.