Message from the Chief 

 

Greetings,

Every New Year brings challenges associated with “doing business” with taxpayer dollars while always striving to provide a better service to you, our residents. Increasing costs are always a factor, some of which we can control, and some we cannot. The District always considers changes that will allow us to function with the tax revenue we receive, and look to the possibility of new revenue streams that would assist us in our overall operational budget.

As a local unit of government, the District receives 96% of our operating budget from property taxes distributed from DuPage County. The Fire District receives no sales tax revenue as does municipalities. The 2012 tax year was the fourth consecutive year that our Equalized Assessed Valuation decreased by 8.1% for a total percentage decrease of 17.9 over the four year period. Decreasing property values has a negative impact upon a taxing body which often causes necessary budget cuts in areas we always look to improve upon. Providing the highest level of service to our residents has always been our highest priority.

It is my goal to move this District into the future recognizing our strengths and weaknesses, and to mentor those under me to provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to advance their careers, while providing the District the depth necessary in numerous areas of responsibility.

I am extremely proud of this organization, the service we provide to you, and the Officers and Firefighters that are truly the backbone of the Darien-Woodridge Fire District.

The District has seen a significant turnover in personnel through retirement in the past several years. While this creates challenges, it also provides opportunity for change with fresh enthusiasm. I am excited to see what the future holds for the organization and our personnel.

As always, it is a distinct pleasure and honor to serve the residents of this community and I welcome all of you to visit our Fire Stations and meet the Officers and Firefighters that are here to protect you. If you would like to contact me I can be reached at (630) 910-2200, or via email at dlambright@dwfd.org.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

Respectfully,

David A. Lambright
Fire Chief/Administrator
Darien-Woodridge Fire District

 

The mission of the Darien-Woodridge Fire District is to provide emergency services and public safety programs through dedicated personnel who exemplify honor, pride,and integrity with full accountability and respect to the District, to each other, and to citizens we serve.