The Palatine Fire Department operates four special response teams:
- Fire Investigation Team
- Hazardous Materials Team
- Technical Rescue (or Urban Search and Rescue) Team
- Water Rescue Team
Each of these teams consists of members who have gone through a selection process, then received additional specialized training and who continue to maintain continuing education in their field. These teams are all part of their respective MABAS Division 1 combined teams, and through MABAS are deployable throughout the state of Illinois for large-scale disasters.
All four of our teams operate as combined teams with the Palatine Rural Fire District. In the event of an incident anywhere in either jurisdiction requiring a team response, on-duty team members from both departments respond. Vehicles and equipment for the teams are maintained at Palatine Fire Department facilities.