Vital Link

The Waukegan Fire Department Vital Link Fund was established to accept contributions for the purchase of Paramedic equipment and supplies.  Contributions to the fund enable our Paramedics to work with the best life-saving equipment possible. 
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The Vital Link Program

“A Life is Priceless”

Facts regarding the program:

Contributions go directly to purchase items such as diagnostic equipment, patient ambulance cots, airway management supplies, and other important Paramedic patient care equipment.

The Vital Link program was originally established in 1973 as “Operation Heartbeat” under the leadership of Fire Chief Richard Niemi. In 1986, the programs title was changed to “Vital Link”.

Although the Waukegan Fire Department is publicly funded, it is often difficult to obtain everything our Paramedics may need through traditional sources. As an example, the average cost of an ambulance now exceeds 170,000 dollars (without equipment) while other items such as cardiac monitors can cost as much as $45,000 dollars.

Contributions to the Vital Link program help bridge the gap to support our Emergency Medical Services program which now has 5 ambulances, staffed by our licensed Firefighter/Paramedics.

Please consider a donation to support our Firefighter/Paramedics. The program also accepts donations as a memorial to a friend or loved one.


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            24 hours a day and 7 days a week, our Firefighter/Paramedics are there in case of an emergency.  


The "Vital Link" Program supports the professionals who are here to care for the citizens of our community.

To Donate:   Mail Checks:  Waukegan Fire Department Vital Link Fund
                                                   1101 Belvidere Road
                                                   Waukegan, IL. 60085

                     Online Donations:   Click here to make an online donation. 
                                                       Select "Make a one time payment" then "Fire Department" then "Miscellaneous payment" 
                                                             and type in Vital Link Fund

For more information, contact:  Deputy Fire Chief Doug Camarato or Fire Chief Gregg Paiser
                                                      at (847) 249-5410 or by emailing Deputy Fire Chief Camarato.

BC Ken Mayfield - EMS Medical Director
(847) 625-6335
Ken.Mayfield@waukeganil.gov