The primary function of the East St. Louis Fire Department is the protection of life and property through emergency fire suppressing, fire prevention activities and “first responder” to hazardous material and extrication mitigation.  

The Fire Department is separated into three (3) divisions:  Administration, Firefighting/Hazard Mitigation, and Fire Prevention/Arson Investigation. 

The Administration division is responsible for coordinating the activities of the other divisions, as well as providing the necessary support so that each division runs as safely and smoothly as possible.  Additionally, this division provides the necessary record keeping functions required by other departmental divisions and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The Administration division is composed of the Chief (Chief Fennoy), three Assistant Chief Positions (Grimmett, Smith, and Grimmett), and one Administrative Assistant (Carter). During FY2005 an additional part time clerical position was added to further assist in the implementation of fire prevention and safety initiatives.

The Firefighting/Hazard Mitigation division is charged with actual firefighting responsibilities, while also responding to hazardous spills, leaks, and auto extrications.  It operates on a 24-hour schedule, from four (4) strategically located firehouses.  These firefighting services help to protect the City’s tax base by providing emergency fire response to its commercial, industrial and residential structures.  The division is also a component that maintains the City’s fire insurance (ISO) rating of five (5). Staffing should increase to meet current NFPA 1710 Standards for staffing guidelines and the FY2006 collective bargaining agreement.  

While this division is composed of eighteen Captains, eighteen Lieutenants, and eighteen Firefighters, NFPA 1710 suggests that there should be at least twenty (20) Captains, twenty- two (22) Lieutenants, and twenty-four (24) Firefighters based on task analysis of our fire service responsibilities and operational procedures. Assistant Chief Smith coordinates manning and apparatus needs. Assistant Chief D. Grimmett coordinates training, and quarters (engine housing) for the Division. 

The Fire Prevention/Arson Investigation division provides inspection services for existing commercial business structures on an annual basis as required by City Ordinance.  This division is also responsible for the timely investigation and determination of the cause and origin of all fires, the updating of fire prevention codes and the review of proposed construction plans.  It is responsible for providing fire safety education, aimed at citizens of all age groups, with specific focus on two target groups (elderly and children) including elementary educational programs in the City schools and elderly housing complexes. Presently the inspection duties are handled in the form of in-service fire company pre-fire planning and identification of basic NFPA Life Safety Code requirements, presently coordinated by Assistant Chief Thomas Grimmett.  

The motto of the Fire department is: "Our value is measured by our service to our community"