The data is alarming. In 2015, the Forest Park Fire Department responded to 199 emergency calls at CTA stations, 164 of which were at 711 Des Plaines. By 2020, the number had more than doubled to 412 calls, with 336 at the same location. In 2024, we responded to 525 CTA-related calls, 465 of which were at 711 Des Plaines. These calls represented 12% of our total call volume that year. As of May 2, 2025, we had already responded to 202 calls at 711 Des Plaines, putting us on track to exceed 600 calls at that location alone.
This surge in demand places an unsustainable burden on our fire department. It responded to 4,500 total calls in 2024 and is projected to handle 4,600 in 2025, making us the busiest firehouse in the area. Neighboring departments average around 3,000 calls annually. The high call volume, driven in part by CTA-related incidents, contributes to staff fatigue, health concerns and accelerated wear on our limited equipment. We operate with just one fire station, two engines, one truck and one ambulance.
The CTA, or any successor transit authority, must assume responsibility for EMS and safety services at its facilities. Forest Park cannot continue to shoulder this burden without adequate financial support or staffing resources.
We’ve recently met with representatives from the Cook County President’s Office and the union representing CTA workers. Forest Park supports the union’s proposal to expand the CTA’s police transit detail by allowing municipal police departments to participate. This would increase the number of trained officers patrolling CTA lines and improve rider safety.
Public confidence in transit has eroded, in part due to safety concerns. The CTA, Metra and Pace were created in a different era. Today’s social and public health challenges demand a modernized governance model — one that prioritizes security, emergency response and public health. As we invest in world-class infrastructure at O’Hare and Midway airports, we must also ensure our ground transportation systems reflect the same commitment to safety and service.
Rory Hoskins is the mayor of west suburban Forest Park.
