Support the sponsors who have generously donated to publish this page for the Department. This page will be regularly updated with Fire Department news.

The Donate Button will be here soon.

Thomson Fire Dept.
P.O. Box 276
Thomson, IL 61285

Thomson Fire & Ambulance
Promotes Safety Year-Round

Promoting fire safety practices is not just a priority for Thomson Fire Chief Gary Iben and his crew during October, Fire Prevention Month . It is a year-round effort.

"The end of Daylight Savings Time is Sunday, November 2. Time to move your clocks back," said Chief Iben. "It is also the time to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors."

Chief Iben also encourages families to plan their emergency escape routes in their homes, so that in case of a fire, everyone will know the route to safety.

The 25-member department is extremely proud to provide fire protection and ambulance service to the Thomson community. Training for the members is a constant priority, in order to keep the volunteers as safe as possible.

In May 2008, the Thomson Fire & Ambulance Dept. joined with Greg Miller, Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Division 29 President in a mock disaster drill at the Danisco Sweetener Plant in Thomson. Simulation drills like this are important training exercises for EMS personnel, as they get hands-on experience with potential industry-related injuries and hazardous material issues. The department also participated in two other live training drills in area communities last year. Two members attended a hybrid vehicle extrication class, and members had an LP gas live burn training session.

Officers of the Thomson Fire & Ambulance Department are Fire Chief Gary Iben, 1st Assistant Chief Danny LaShelle, 2nd Assistant Chief Brian Williams, 1st Captain Eric Jobin, 2nd Captain Karen Shaffer, 2nd Captain Training Officer Frank Walston, 1st captain Brian Iben, and Lieutenant Bill Svoboda.

Fire and ambulance members are Brian Balk, Eric Burns, Eric Christensen, George Cockerham, JoClaire Cockerham, Megan Cockerham, Louann Hoch, Jeff Holley, Brett Johnson, Bob Lahre Sr., Mike Lahre, Kay Lawton, Paul Moltmann, Bill Pauley, Ron Schleuning, Cindy Singler, Brad Spencer, and Paulette Walston.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's) are JoClaire Cockerham, Loann Hoch, Brian Iben, Eric Jobin, Kay Lawton, Karen Shaffer, Cindy Singler, Bill Svoboda, and Frank Walston.

The Thomson Fire Protection District (TFPD) Board members are Larry Carroll, Paul Moltmann, and Kenneth Woehl.

Due to the great support of the community and the board members of the TFPD, several new pieces of equipment have been added. A donation from the Thomson Community Fund went toward the purchase of an ice rescue boat. And a used 2005 GMC 4WD truck was converted to a brush truck. Department members installed the tank, pump and other equipment to successfully complete the conversion.

The continued support of the community at the department's major fundraiser is also welcome. The TFD's Annual Pancake Breakfast will be held Saturday, November 1, at the Thomson Fire Station. It's an all-you-can-eat affair from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. that includes pancakes, sausage, biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, desserts, and beverages. Proceeds of the donations from the breakfast will be used to purchase or upgrade equipment needed by the department.

"Additional volunteers on our department are needed," said Chief Iben. "Especially EMT's during the day." If you are interested in becoming a member of the Thomson Fire & Ambulance Department, as a firefighter, EMT, or both, contact Chief Iben or any of the department personnel. "Or just stop by the fire station any Wednesday night," Chief Iben said.