The *Daily Herald* recently published an article highlighting a bold new initiative by the Palatine Rural Fire Protection District (FPD) to generate additional revenue through advertising on its emergency vehicles. The district is preparing to become the first in Illinois to sell ad space on fire trucks and ambulances, a move that comes at a critical time as they face rising demand for services and declining property tax income.
Last week, the district lost a bid for a tax increase, which would have added $200,000 annually to their budget. With calls increasing and funding shrinking, the ads are seen as a vital lifeline. Chief Hank Clemmensen described the situation as “desperate,†noting that the money from the ads will be essential for keeping the department operational.
“We’re not looking to turn our trucks into billboards,†said Clemmensen, who emphasized that the ads will be tasteful and carefully designed. He plans to approve all content, ensuring that the branding doesn’t detract from the professionalism of the department. The ads will be placed on the sides near the rear of the district’s only fire truck and on the back of its lone ambulance.
The Palatine Rural FPD is working with Arizona-based Public Safety Advertising, a company founded by a firefighter who wanted to help departments like theirs raise funds without relying more on taxpayers. According to Clemmensen, the ads could bring in between $20,000 and $25,000 per year — a much-needed boost for a department that saw a $300,000 drop in revenue between 2012 and 2013.
Despite the rejection of the tax hike, which only received support from about 46% of voters (with just over 1,100 ballots cast out of nearly 20,000 registered voters), the advertising plan was already approved unanimously by the district’s board in March. Clemmensen said he would have moved forward with the plan regardless of the tax vote outcome, and now the need for the funds is even greater than before.
This innovative approach reflects a growing trend across the U.S., where fire departments are turning to alternative revenue sources to keep up with rising costs. From Arizona to Maryland, numerous fire departments have adopted similar strategies, using their vehicles as mobile billboards to fund operations and community programs.
Other articles covering this trend include pieces from *The New York Times*, *ABC15Arizona*, *AZFamily.com*, *MyFoxPhoenix.com*, *Apache Junction FPD*, *ABC2Baltimore*, and *Callthecops.net*.
Thanks, Dan.
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