Evanston Fire Department history Part 74

In January 1976, the Evanston Fire Department introduced its first mobile intensive care unit (MICU), known as Company 1 or “Ambulance 1,” stationed at Fire Station #1. This ambulance was staffed with a three-person crew, including two paramedics, marking a significant shift in emergency response. The initial team of paramedics—Roger Bush, Dave Cleland, Jim Dillon, Randy Drott, Jerry McDermott, Jim McLaughlin, and Dave Pettinger—had been trained at St. Francis Hospital in 1975. The equipment was generously donated by Washington National Insurance Company, a major local employer.

The first Ambulance 1 was a 1975 Dodge Type II van. Meanwhile, the Evanston Police Department still operated three station-wagon ambulances equipped with stretchers and basic first aid through 1976. These were supported by two 1970 Dodge station wagons from the EFD, which were later replaced by sedans and compact cars in 1977. When possible, either a police or fire department ambulance would be sent to assist when paramedics weren’t required.

By the end of 1976, five more firefighters—Joe Hayes, Dave Lopina, Art Miller, Jim Potts, and Bob Wagner—were certified as paramedics, bringing the total to twelve. A second MICU, a 1976 Chevrolet Type I modular ambulance (fleet #314), was purchased for $35,000 and placed in service at Station #1 in January 1977.

Tragedy struck in November 1976 when Ambulance 1 was involved in a severe collision on Dewey Avenue. The ambulance was hit broadside by a drunk driver at Church & Ridge, the same location where Truck Co. 2 had crashed nearly 50 years earlier. Three firefighters—Jim McLaughlin, Jerry McDermott, and Phil Burns—and a nurse from St. Francis Hospital were injured.

With Ambulance 1 out of commission and the new MICU not yet available, the EFD borrowed a 1968 Cadillac ambulance from Skokie Fire Department. After it was repaired, the Cadillac was eventually purchased by Evanston and became Ambulance 3. The new MICU arrived in January 1977 and was designated as Ambulance 2. During 1977, several more firefighters, including Captain Bill Best, were trained as paramedics, expanding the EFD to 114 members. Captain Best became the first captain to hold a paramedic certification.

Previously, Ambulance 1 operated alone in its first-due area without an engine company. However, in 1977, staffing was reduced to two per ambulance, so an engine company was now dispatched alongside EMS calls for support. Ambulance 2, assigned city-wide, took over as the primary EMS unit, while the old Cadillac handled fire calls when needed. Even after Ambulance 1 was repaired and returned to Station #1 in mid-1977, Ambulance 2 remained the first responder for EMS, while Ambulance 1 focused on fire incidents.

Before 1980, EFD paramedics often worked alongside firefighters during emergencies, helping with ventilation or firefighting. Over time, protocols changed to limit their involvement in fire suppression, though they could still assist with hydrant connections if available for immediate EMS response.

In January 1976, Chief George Beattie retired after 29 years of service. Assistant Chief Ed Pettinger, a 28-year veteran, followed shortly after. Captains Richard Schumacher and John Becker were promoted to assistant chief. Willard Thiel, a 35-year veteran and training officer since 1958, was appointed acting chief by City Manager Ed Martin while the city searched for a new fire chief. Thiel accepted the role only because he had no interest in becoming chief and planned to retire once a permanent replacement was found.