On August 6, 2024, Ascent Integrated Tech successfully handed off our advanced location tracking system to the North Park Fire Department. Chief Hallstrom expressed his excitement and was impressed by capabilities of the new technology, which includes six devices and two tablets to support enhanced operations and safety measures.
North Park Fire Department (NPFD), established in 1947, serves 15 square miles in Winnebago County, Illinois. The district covers areas including Edgewater, Loves Park, Machesney Park, and portions of Rockford, while responding to an average of 1,500 calls for service annually. NPFD provides fire, rescue, hazard, and emergency medical services to approximately 18,000 residents in suburban residential, commercial, and light industrial areas. The department is also a member of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Division 8, ensuring robust support during large-scale incidents.
The new system provides reliable “dot-on-map” tracking for both indoor and outdoor operations, ensuring that firefighters can be located accurately during everyday situations or critical moments. This enhanced tracking is essential for maintaining situational awareness and keeping personnel safe, whether they’re responding to routine calls or large-scale emergencies. With this deployment at North Park, Ascent’s technology is now utilized by eight departments, including Lincoln, Charleston, Effingham, Mattoon, Des Plaines, Waukesha, and a pilot deployment with DC Fire Department.
North Park Fire Department operates with a team of approximately 50 personnel, including full-time, part-time, and volunteer firefighters, across three fire stations. Their robust fleet includes front-line engines, an aerial truck, squads, and specialized vehicles designed to handle both urban and wildland emergencies.
This deployment is a major step in ensuring that NPFD’s personnel can operate safely and effectively in the challenging environments they face daily. We extend our sincere thanks to Chief Hallstrom and the entire North Park team for leading the way in adopting new technology. We look forward to future collaborations to continue enhancing the safety of first responders and the communities they serve.
