‘Many times, in my career, I wish I had something like this’: New program in Loves Park helps firefighters plan for emergencies

A new program at the Loves Park Fire Department is giving the community a chance to be seen and heard before an emergency.

“Many times, in my career, I wish I had something like this, or I wish I knew going into a fire where the grandparents were sleeping, right? Where the pets are at, what kind of pets they had. Had we had this technology or this information 15, 20 years ago, I think more people would be alive for sure,” said Fire Chief James Hart.

Less than a month ago, the department launched Community Connect, which Hart said was one of the first to do in Northern Illinois. Families share information so responders can plan more effectively and respond more quickly. 

“You can put their name, their age. What kind of needs do they have? Does this member of your family have autism? Are they cognitively impaired? Are they confined to a bed or deaf,” explained Hart.

Other prompts include the number of residents or pets living in the home, door codes, and bedroom locations. The program already has 20 households signed up. 

“This is something that was on our radar on and off for about a year, year and a half now, and we were able to make that leap,” explained Hart.

Hart said that when a call comes in from an account, all that information appears on the truck’s computer.

“We’ll be able to access this information here to see the actual pre-plan for that business address or home address, whatever it may be,” said Hart. 

Hart said he’d love to see more departments jump on board.

“If we can get the Rockford area enrolled in these kinds of programs, it’s just going to make us all better,” said Hart.

Residents living in Loves Park who wish to sign up can access the Community Connect website here.