Questions? Contact us today.
Questions? Contact us today.
Hear From Fellow Residents
This is an issue of community safety. It is not an issue of politics or political factions; it’s an issue of standing up our community.
Allow me to introduce you to two of our neighbors, Kyle and Kay. They are lifelong members of opposing political parties. They live in different parts of town and have different backgrounds. One has experience in education and the other works in the healthcare industry. After they attended a listening session and learned about the issues, they both became supporters—and they hope you will as well.
Please be like Kay and Kyle, and VOTE YES to Save Winfield Fire Department.
I vote YES to support our first responders
I’m voting YES because this is one way I can support local services and the Winfield community, to help us function & be safe.
I’m voting YES because I want to keep a local fire department to ensure speed of response for emergencies, which my neighbors and I have had to use five (5) times in recent years.
-Kay Kirkpatrick
How I Went From a NO to a YES
I was against the fire referendum at first…
What property owner actually wants to see their taxes increase? This referendum caught my attention because I come from this industry. I live and breathe EMS and Fire service. Unfortunately because of my background, I am a little jaded because time after time, I see Fire Departments waste tax dollars on equipment they do not need or fancy options that are wants and not needs, the bells and whistles so to speak. I decided to personally go to the Fire Department and talk to the Chief and his staff to learn for myself about what they wanted to spend the money on if they were to receive the referendum money. I asked the tough questions I always think up working in the EMS industry myself.
It was at this time that I realized this department was different, they are not asking for un-needed equipment or anything fancy. They are asking for the basic tools to do their jobs, plain and simple. There is no hidden agenda with this department.
Here is an example of what I am referring to:
- Most Fire Departments want these huge Type I ambulances (sorry for the industry terms). A typical Type I ambulance is probably bigger than my first apartment. Winfield is not in the market for this type of ambulance.
- Their wish list includes a Type III ambulance (smaller and manageable, modest even) with no extra options which to me was unheard of and very responsible.
The firefighters are asking for building conditions where when it rains, rainwater is not leaking on them or their equipment. This is something I think most homeowners would ask for as well if put into the same situation.
After seeing the conditions of the fire house and throwing some pretty tough questions at the Chief and his staff, I have wholeheartedly changed my position on this referendum and give my complete support. I am voting in favor of this fire referendum not because I want to see my taxes increased but because I care about my loved ones and community.
I understand that change will come at a cost, but I want to see us all get the level of service we need and deserve.
-Kyle A. Wolber
And they aren’t the only ones…
“In 2015 my family had a major house fire at 2:30 in the morning. Winfield firefighters (along with firefighters from surrounding communities) quickly arrived and put out the fire. They were there for us on one of the hardest days of our lives! My wife vividly recalls them bravely walking on the roof, ventilating the attic as flames shot up into the sky! They protected my family, rescued my daughters baby guinea pig and saved what was left of our house. “Winfield Fire… they are there when you need them.. on the worst day of your life.”
-Bob Brown (current resident)
“Though I currently live out of state, I was actually born and raised in Winfield. The reason I am so involved with this is my roots are in Winfield and I will always be from Winfield. My family is still there; I support WFPD because they are the men and women keeping my family safe—willing to save all of our lives, no questions asked, even if it means putting their own lives in danger. They do everything they can to help the residents even with the outdated equipment and vehicles they have.”
-Aaron (former resident)
Here's Why I Got Involved
Watch Us Debate
Hear From Fellow Residents
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Fire Referendum Quick Facts
Life Saving Tools Deteriorating
Why a Referendum?
Consequences of a Failed Referendum
© Save the Winfield Fire Department, 2022
Save Winfield Fire Department is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Winfield Fire Protection District.
A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available on the Board’s official website (www.elections.il.gov) or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois.