Deputy Chief Drew Smith has provided an update regarding the multi-vehicle accident that occurred last week on Palatine Road: Prospect Heights and Wheeling Fire Departments have a coordinated response plan for incidents along Palatine Road. A unified command structure ensures a fast and efficient response, no matter which jurisdiction is involved. The road runs east-west for three miles through the area, crossing into both towns multiple times, sometimes serving as the boundary between them. There are also four bridges along the route and only three interchanges where emergency vehicles can access the road. When the RED Center receives a 9-1-1 call about an incident, a dual response is dispatched—each department approaches from opposite directions. This strategy ensures that if one direction is blocked by traffic, the other department can still reach the scene quickly. Once a unit arrives at the scene, the location is confirmed, and the appropriate equipment can proceed or return accordingly. If the incident is classified as a "pin-in," additional extrication units are required to stage before entering Palatine Road and wait for the first responding unit to confirm the best approach. I've attached a map showing the three grids and the entry points for each department. Grid 923 Grid 3923 Grid 3924 Companies Entry Point Companies Entry Point Companies Entry Point A9, E9 A23, E23 Schoenbeck Wheeling Rd. A9, E39 A23, E23 Wolf Rd. Wheeling Rd. A9, E39 A24, E24 Wolf Rd. Milwaukee Ave. For a pin-in scenario, Prospect Heights E39 or Squad 9, along with Wheeling E24, and the respective chiefs from both departments should be staged and ready to respond once the initial unit confirms the entry point. Below is a map illustrating the three designated grids and the entry points used by each fire department during joint responses on Palatine Road. Prospect Heights FPD and Wheeling FD grid map for Palatine Road joint responses. Additionally, you can view a video explanation of the response protocol here: Electric Bus,Electric Shuttle Bus,Electric Sightseeing Car,Electric School Bus Shaanxi Green Enjoyment New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.greenjoyev.com