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The Newly Consolidated Manhattan Fire Protection District

On November 8, 2022, the referendum to consolidate Peotone FPD and Manhattan FPD passed and would go into effect on January 1, 2023 — following the MFPD Board’s recent approval of a resolution accepting new service area boundaries, which includes the entirety of the now former Peotone Fire Protection District.

The Manhattan Fire Protection District (MFPD) started the new year by hiring six full – time firefighters and promoting three firefighters to Lieutenant to serve the new, expanded Fire District, solidifying its staffing following the consolidation with the Peotone Fire Protection District.

The district’s service area has since expanded by 72 square miles and now covers 145 square miles, making MFPD one of the largest in the State. As of January 2023, MFPD proudly serves the Villages of Manhattan and Peotone, Manhattan and Peotone Townships, Jackson Township, Will Township, and Wilton Center out of three fire stations. Each fire station is staffed full – time and supplemented with part – time members: nine full – time Lieutenants, 15 full – time firefighters/paramedics, and 25 part – time firefighter EMT – B/paramedics.

As part of the consolidation, the District’s Board of Trustees has also expanded to include two additional representatives. Brian Hupe, the former Peotone Fire Protection District (PFPD) Board of Trustees President, and Bill Osborne, a former PFPD trustee, have been appointed by the Will County Board to ensure all district areas have representation. Both appointees were sworn in as Trustees during the February 20 MFPD board meeting.

Consolidation Documents

Town Hall Meetings

Letters of Support

Local 4991 Statement of Support

The Manhattan Professional Firefighters Local 4991 would like to address the recent information regarding the consolidation between the Manhattan and Peotone Fire Districts. Manhattan Local 4991 has been working closely with the Administration, Trustees, and Commissioners on the joint effort to consolidate Manhattan and Peotone Fire districts. The Manhattan Professional Firefighters Local 4991 is in full support of the decision to consolidate both Fire Districts. We believe this decision affords Peotone with full – time positions and future sustainability to Manhattan while incorporating our level of structure and service to Peotone’s community. Please note, there will be no reduction in current service or staff to Manhattan Fi re Protection District residents in order to staff and support Peotone. Consolidation and County – Wide Fire Districts are not uncommon and it is prevalent in several other states. Local 4991 will continue to collaborate with all parties involved to ensure that members of the Peotone community receive quality service and support while also ensuring that members of the Manhattan community continue to receive the quality and effective service that we currently provide. We appreciate the support that we have received from the community members of both Districts and we will continue to keep the communities informed as we progress during this proactive process.