On August 26, 2024, the Effingham, IL Fire Department enhanced their operational capabilities with the delivery of advanced location tracking technology. Fire Chief Brant Yochum and Assistant Chief Matt Kulesza shared that they were “very excited” about how this technology will improve their team’s safety and efficiency on the ground.
The Effingham Fire Department is a dedicated and resourceful team, consisting of 17 full-time members and 17 paid-on-call (POC) members. They cover approximately 10 square miles around Effingham city, serving a population of 13,000. With 2 ladders, 2 engines, 1 squad, and command vehicles, the department handles an average of 700 calls per year, primarily fire and auto incidents. Positioned at the intersection of interstates 57 and 70, they play a vital role in protecting a significant commercial and retail area with heavy vehicle traffic.
This new system directly addresses key needs in fire service operations. It features 3-axis tracking, enabling precise monitoring of elevation changes and positioning indoors, essential for maintaining awareness of firefighter locations during complex incidents. Built by the Department of Defense, with 600+ engineers supporting over 250,000 military and civilian users, it’s designed to perform under the most demanding conditions.
In today’s challenging environments, having precise, reliable, and interoperable tools is vital for protecting both firefighters and the communities they serve. We extend our sincere thanks to the Effingham Fire Department for embracing this technology and look forward to future deployments that continue to advance first responder safety.
