In just 14 short months, this formerly all-volunteer crew now has its own full-time staff and are eager to get what they need to better serve their community in a fraction of the time.
"When we look at how government usually moves, that we have moved at lightning speed."
With less than two years in the role, Loves Park Fire Chief Jerry Wiltfang is proud of the progress his team has made in such a short amount of time.
"To go from where we've been to where we are, to have two new rigs in line to come here, to have two new bays put onto this station, to have bought the property next door and then to have full time staff in 14 months, I think is pretty incredibly fast," said Chief Wiltfang.
To address the rapid growth, the Loves Park City Council approved a resolution that provides funding for two new fire engines and updated equipment, all to address the needs of the community.