Special Response Teams

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.