The Chillicothe Fire Department and Emergency services went on 2,389 calls and traveled 169,657 miles during 2015. The department handled 1,989 EMS calls, and 124 service calls. Personnel conducted 60 fire code/safety inspections, and installed 77 new smoke detectors.

Fire Chief Darrell Wright released the department's year-end report, providing statistics on the department's activities. The department responded to 11 carbon monoxide calls, provided 11 rescues other than auto extrication, and performed 11 auto extrication/rescues. The department responded to 16 spills/leaks involving hazardous materials (no fire), 10 structure fires, 10 fires outside of structures, 11 tree/brush/grass fires, three automobile fires, and 10 calls regarding smoke scares. The Chillicothe department responded to 22 automatic alarm system malfunctions in 2015 and 10 false alarms and provided mutual aid eight times during the year. There were 6 storm watch events.

Last year, the department took delivery of a new pickup truck, and a new ambulance that was paid for by Livingston County Ambulance District. It replaced a 2011 ambulance. The department also added a new cardiac monitor with transmission capabilities.

The department hosted a community storm spotter class and hosted several fire and EMS classes. Also last year, the department:

• Updated local emergency operations plans and had them approved by the State Emergency Management Agency.
• Completed a joint fundraiser with Hedrick Medical Center to support Hope House and local cancer patients.
• Completed ISO re-evaluation of the fire protection rating with notification of improved rating class for city fire protection.
• Participated in a joint emergency operations exercise with Grundy County.
• Worked in cooperation with county commissioners with the disaster declaration from flooding.

Looking ahead, Wright identified goals for 2016, stating that the department plans to update all medical protocols, establish an EMS critical care transport service, upgrade medical billing software and procedures, and provide more community classes on preparedness for disasters. The department also plans to coordinate with the hospital's emergency room department in a fourth breast cancer awareness fundraiser.