Chicago Firefighters Training in Former Printing Plant

July 30, 2024
Firefighters say they are fortunate to have the six-story old Chicago Tribune building to practice various skills.

Soon, the old Chicago Tribune printing plant, known as the Freedom Center, will be home to the new Bally’s Hotel and Casino.

But before then it is the perfect testing ground for the Chicago Fire Department.

First District Chief Jim McDonough explained to WGN that firefighters are honing their skills during a myriad of scenarios.

When help is needed, having a practiced response can be the difference between success and failure, life and death, he said.

Officials with Bally’s Chicago Community Builders Collective, a joint venture of nine separate companies, say they are happy to help and recognize the important of the simulated drills.

Chicago firefighters are taking advantage of the opportunity to use the six-story building. 

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.