A dog was removed from the residence and given oxygen at the scene by firefighters until it was picked up by Animal Control. The dog survived, said Cory Law, Whiteside County Health Department assistant director of public health.

OSF Life Flight, in business in Illinois since 1984, makes more than 1,800 flights a year. It has made more than 10 from the area since opening locally.

Two Dixon city firefighters are going the extra mile to protect their community and build up the next generation of firefighters by teaching classes at the Illinois Fire Service Institute.

One local fire district offers help after traumatic calls.

Dustin Dahlstrom, a 12-year member of the department, officially became Dixon Rural's chief Jan. 16. Ken Wolf became Rock Falls fire chief Feb. 1.

Brinkley joined the department on Feb. 27, 2017. She will retire June 12 after seven years of service as a community service dog.

The service provides 24/7 paramedic and critical care services.

Nick Dinges has grown Dinges Fire Company into a major player in the fire service industry while remaining local in Amboy. As a fireman himself, Dinges jumped at the opportunity to be part of creating and distributing fire safety equipment.

The police academy at Sauk Valley Community College is the eighth academy in Illinois and the first in northern Illinois. It opened its doors on Aug. 8, 2022. The first class, made up of 21 recruits, graduated in January 2023.