The members of the fire department are required to attend a monthly meeting and weekly drills. The East Hazel Crest Volunteer Fire Department protects and serves a population of 1,570 people in an area which covers 1.5 square miles. Structures include homes and businesses. Whenever the pager is sounded, either for a medical or fire emergency, firefighters head to the station to respond with an emergency vehicle. CoMed Ambulance Service is automatically dispatched with the fire department for all medical calls.
Firefighters respond in a medical squad as first responders.
The department has three fire engines to respond to any type of emergency. The fire department responds to other towns such as Harvey, Hazel Crest, Thornton, Glenwood and Dolton, just to name a few, on major structure fires or EMS box alarms. The towns of Homewood, Hazel Crest, Glenwood and East Hazel Crest all have automatic alarm agreements with each other. Each member of the fire department is required to actively participate in fundraisers, Halloween parties, and any other volunteer functions. The cadet program starts at age 16 and finishes at 18.