EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE
In January 1976, the Evanston Fire Department introduced its first mobile intensive care unit (MICU), known as Company 1 or "Ambulance 1," stationed at Fire Station #1. This unit operated with a three-person crew, including two paramedics, marking a significant shift in emergency response capabilities. The initial team of paramedics—Roger Bush, Dave Cleland, Jim Dillon, Randy Drott, Jerry McDermott, Jim McLaughlin, and Dave Pettinger—had been trained at St. Francis Hospital during 1975. The equipment was generously donated by Washington National Insurance Company, one of the city's major employers at the time. Ambulance 1 was initially a 1975 Dodge Type II van, which became a cornerstone of the department’s evolving EMS operations.
Meanwhile, the Evanston Police Department maintained its own fleet of station-wagon ambulances equipped with stretchers and basic first-aid supplies through 1976. These units were supported by two 1970 Dodge station-wagons used by the EFD, which were later replaced by sedans and compact cars in 1977. Whenever possible, either a police patrol ambulance or a fire department auxiliary ambulance would be sent to assist Ambulance 1 on non-critical calls, allowing the paramedics to focus on more severe emergencies.
By the end of 1976, five additional firefighters—Joe Hayes, Dave Lopina, Art Miller, Jim Potts, and Bob Wagner—were certified as paramedics, bringing the total number of EFD paramedics to twelve. A second MICU, a 1976 Chevrolet Type I modular ambulance with an attached "box" (fleet #314), was purchased for $35,000 and put into service at Station #1 in January 1977. This expansion marked a major step forward in the department’s ability to respond to medical emergencies across the city.
In November 1976, a tragic accident nearly ended the life of Ambulance 1. While en route to a call on Dewey Avenue, the ambulance was struck broadside by a drunk driver at Church and Ridge—a location that had seen a similar collision involving Truck Co. 2 exactly 50 years earlier. Three firefighters—Jim McLaughlin, Jerry McDermott, and Phil Burns—and a nurse from St. Francis Hospital were injured in the crash. With Ambulance 1 temporarily out of commission and the second MICU not yet available, the EFD borrowed a 1968 Cadillac ambulance from the Skokie Fire Department. After repairs, this vehicle was eventually purchased by Evanston and became Ambulance 3.
The new MICU arrived in January 1977 and was designated Ambulance 2. During that year, several more firefighters—including Capt. Bill Best, Mike Adam, Miriam Boyle, Ken Dohm, Bob Hayden, Ben Jaremus, Don Kunita, Ernesto Martinez, Mike Whalen, and Don Williams—were trained and certified as paramedics. By this point, the EFD had grown to 114 personnel. Capt. Best became the first captain to hold a paramedic certification, setting a new standard for leadership within the department.
Previously, Ambulance 1 had operated independently with a three-member crew in Station #1’s first-due area. However, staffing reductions in 1977 led to the assignment of an engine company to all EMS calls as a first responder. Ambulance 2, now serving as the primary EMS unit city-wide, was supported by the former Skokie ambulance for fire calls and backup EMS duties when necessary. Even after Ambulance 1 was repaired and returned to service in mid-1977, it continued to handle fire calls while Ambulance 2 remained the first responder for EMS incidents.
Before 1980, EFD paramedics often worked alongside firefighters at fire scenes, assisting with tasks such as roof ventilation or line deployment. Over time, restrictions were placed on their involvement in fire suppression, though they could still help an engine company connect to a hydrant if needed. This shift reflected growing recognition of the need to separate roles based on skill sets and safety protocols.
During this period, leadership changes also took place. Chief George Beattie retired in January 1976 after 29 years of service, followed a month later by Assistant Chief Ed Pettinger, a 28-year veteran. Captains Richard Schumacher and John Becker were promoted to assistant chief, while long-time training officer Willard Thiel, who had served since 1958, was appointed acting chief by City Manager Ed Martin. Thiel accepted the role only because he had no interest in becoming chief and planned to retire once a permanent replacement was found. His leadership during this transitional period helped maintain stability as the city searched for a new fire chief.