McDermott served as chief of the department for the first time in 2002 and then again in 2012. He was the only person to ever be elected to serve a second term as chief in the 116-year history of the Lynbrook Fire Department.

In December, Union County Council voted unanimously to authorize a loan of $300,000 from the Union County Economic Development Fund to the Bonham Fire Department to help the department build a new fire station. The decision to do so was driven in large part by the county’s efforts to promote economic development in general, particularly the manufacturing sector, a significant portion of which is located in the Bonham Community.

"The foundation work has started and they are moving a lot of soil out because of, I guess, some contamination from asbestos," Atsalis said. "If you drive by some times you might think you are watching a lunar landing with the uniforms the men and women are wearing there."

"Unless you have that specialized equipment, you really can't use it for anything else," said Danny Rust from the Osolo Township Fire Department. "With us being rescue workers and depending on our equipment, it's just hard to believe somebody in the community would come and steal from us. I mean we try to better the community and we just don't understand why they did that."

Two people in the car were injured and transported to the hospital with injuries not believed to be life threatening. according to investigation.

Police are continuing their investigation and are working to determine who was at fault, firefighters said.