‘Does not mark the end’: Moline ends ties with Second Alarmers

MOLINE, Ill. (KWQC) - City leaders said Second Alarmers will no longer respond to structure fires in Moline.

The city decided Moline residents shouldn’t bear the costs for the volunteer support group whose mission goes beyond city limits.

City leaders said the change comes because of new liability and insurance protocols, and the Second Alarmers' use of the city-owned firehouse and vehicle is entirely funded by Moline taxpayers.

On Monday, Moline Second Alarmers posted to Facebook saying it was being shut down because their “services were no longer needed by the City of Moline.”

In a media release, the city emphasized that the Second Alarmers are not being shut down and that they remain an independent organization.

The Second Alarmers respond to fire scenes with extra air and water bottles for fire crews.

KWQC spoke to Second Alarmer president Dave Irwin on the 70th anniversary of the group in 2023. “Believe me, there’s fire departments that see this yellow truck pull up, and they’re all smiling because they know their air is here,” he said.

The Second Alarmers said it has mutual aid agreements with other local fire departments, including the city of Rock Island, Henry and Mercer counties, Rock Island Arsenal Fire Department and the Quad City International Airport.

The volunteer organization said it is discussing its future with Coal Valley.

Moline leaders thanked the volunteer group for over 70 years of service to the fire department.