ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Rockford Fire Department is preparing to scale back an expansion of east-side emergency coverage that was added in 2025 after a wave of retirements reduced staffing levels, officials told the Rockford City Council on Monday.
During the council meeting, Fire Chief Rebecca Tyo explained that the department had anticipated a significant number of retirements and received approval in 2024 to hire above its normal staffing level. The city authorized the hiring of 36 additional firefighters to help offset the expected departures and maintain service levels.
Those additional personnel allowed the department to place two extra units into service beginning Jan. 1, 2025: Engine 5 at Station 5 near Trainer Road and Medic 4 at Station 4 near Guilford High School…