Community Corner
What It Really Means To Serve As A First Responder
Fire Chief Robert Cagann discusses first responder training, his love for Elgin and achieving his lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter.
First responders are a vital part of our communities, keeping us safe and playing an integral role in daily life. Patch and T-Mobile have partnered on a Ride-Along series to showcase the important work these departments and individuals do every day.
We had the opportunity to speak with Fire Chief Robert Cagann of the City of Elgin Fire Department to learn more about the department, life as a firefighter and the impact of their work.
Can you tell us about the Elgin Fire Department?
Chief Cagann: The City of Elgin Fire Department covers approximately 38 square miles, protecting approximately 115,000 residents. The fire department operates out of seven fire stations strategically placed around the city.
Though the fire department responds to fires and emergency medical calls, it is considered an all-hazards emergency response agency. The fire department operates a hazardous materials response team, a specialized rescue team, a water rescue team and a fire investigation team. In addition, the department works closely with the Elgin Police Department by providing paramedics to the SWAT team and personnel to work in the 911 center.
What does a typical day look like for a firefighter in Elgin?
Chief Cagann: The Elgin Fire Department is an extremely busy response organization running over 16,000 calls for service annually. Of these calls, approximately 77 percent are emergency medical calls; this call volume is why the city will be implementing a sixth full-time ambulance in 2026.
Fire department members are cross-trained in firefighting and paramedicine, and [they] participate regularly in the department's comprehensive training program. Each member is required to obtain 20 hours of training per month, [in addition to participating] in multi-company training evolutions and medical continuing education. In addition to emergency response and daily training, members of the department also conduct basic fire inspections in all commercial businesses within the city and develop and update pre-emergency plans for all the commercial buildings.
Finally, on a regular basis, members of the department conduct various types of public education events in schools with neighborhood groups [and] organizations and assist individuals with smoke detector installations.
What inspired you to get involved with the Elgin Fire Department?
Chief Cagann: At a very young age, I wanted to be a firefighter and pursued that dream throughout my school years. When I was in high school, I was working with the local volunteer fire department in Fox Lake, IL, where they gave me the opportunity to experience the world of being a first responder. I also obtained basic-level emergency medical training through the local community college, which allowed me to get more involved on calls.
When I graduated from high school, I attended the Arlington Heights Fire Academy, then went to college at Eastern Kentucky University, where I obtained my bachelor's degree in Fire Department Administration. After graduation, I started the testing process required to get hired by fire departments. Elgin was the first test I took; [on] the day of the written exam, there were over 300 applicants taking that test.
As I went through the various steps of the hiring process, I was more and more impressed with the members of the department and the city staff with whom I interacted. The hiring process for fire departments takes months, so I was testing with numerous departments. During that process, I felt strongly that the Elgin Fire Department was going to be a good fit. Additionally, the size of the city and the opportunities I would have in Elgin, due to the call volume, were important factors in where I wanted to have a career.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Elgin community?
Chief Cagann: Elgin is an amazing community because of the diverse nature of the city. The population is certainly diverse, and that offers opportunities for people to learn from one another, which fosters personal and professional growth.
Additionally, Elgin faces many similar opportunities and challenges that a larger city faces while also having the opportunity and challenges of a suburban community. These factors make being a first responder incredibly interesting and extremely challenging, but overcoming these challenges and being able to successfully help people in difficult situations is what makes being a firefighter and paramedic so rewarding.
Elgin has been an incredible place to serve, and I can't imagine I would have the same level of personal satisfaction and professional growth in any other organization.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career in firefighting?
Chief Cagann: As with most occupations, serving as a firefighter and paramedic is not for everyone. The work schedule is unique in terms of working 24 hours, then being off for 48 hours, including regular weekend and holiday shifts. Individuals who think they want to get into this profession should do some in-depth research into what the actual tasks one will perform entail, what types of situations one will encounter and the workplace dynamics found in each organization. I encourage people to talk to members of different fire departments because department size, call volume, training programs and other requirements specific to individual departments provide different opportunities and work environments.
Being a firefighter in this area requires one to be a paramedic in most cases, [as] fire departments respond to far more medical calls than fire calls. Therefore, people considering a profession as a firefighter must have a desire to work in the medical field. I encourage individuals to start with the Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) course offered by Elgin Community College to get a feel for the medical side of the profession. Also, though many departments require applicants to be paramedics, the Elgin Fire Department requires only EMT-B certification; all other training is covered by the department.
Finally, the more training and experience one has before [going] through the application process, the better [their] chances are [of being] higher on the hiring list. Getting involved as a part-time firefighter with fire departments in the area can provide opportunities to obtain firefighter and EMT certifications and get practical, real-world experience going on emergency calls.
More About the Elgin Fire Department
The Elgin Fire Department offers several ways for individuals to get involved and explore career opportunities in firefighting:
- Apply to become a firefighter with the Elgin Fire Department.
- Join a ride-along for an up-close experience with first responders in action.
- Inquire about training opportunities within the department and learn what it takes to be a first responder.
- Tour the fire station and get a first-hand look at a day in the life of a firefighter.
- Sign up for CPR classes, including monthly sessions and recertification courses.
- Enroll kids in the grade school fire safety education program to learn about fire prevention and safety.
For more information, visit the Elgin Fire Department website and explore opportunities to serve your community!
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Get more information about T-Priority and the first responder discounts here.
