In our December 18 column, Now you Know partially responded to a query sent in by Annette of Neighborhood 16 about the Huntley Fire Protection District. We addressed their structure, staffing, professionalism, and training that supports their excellent ability to respond to the community’s 911 calls and need for help.
Here is Part II of NYK’s investigation.
Sun City has two fire stations serving the community. Fire Station Number 3 is located in the northeast on Regency Parkway. Station 5 is located southwest, at the corner of Hennig Road and Jim Dhamer Parkway. With those two locations, no home in Del Webb is more than 3 miles away from a fire station, minimizing response times.
The updated and final numbers for 2025 show that our Huntley Fire Protection District responded to a record 8,027 incidents. Of the District’s calls for service, approximately 40% (3,200) originated in Sun City – Del Webb. Of those calls, almost half were requests due to either falls or “lift” assistance (when a resident cannot get up from a prone or sitting position).
An action we can all take to reduce the need for these types of emergency calls is to utilize our Sun City fitness programs to improve our mobility and balance. The staff at both fitness centers are there to help residents to achieve these goals. Whether you are new to such an effort or an experienced “gym rat,” simply ask at the fitness center’s desk, and they will help design a routine, at a level that will work for you, to build strength and improve your balance.
Another category of 911 calls involves suspected cardiac and stroke events. For this type of emergency, the department’s advice is to CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY, as time is of the essence. Nationally, the survival rate of cardiac arrests, those occurring outside of a hospital, is less than 10%. Within the Huntley Fire Protection District, the survival rate is 26%. This significantly higher rate can be attributed to the HFPD’s rapid response time, their training and skill levels, and the fact that we have 15 AED defibrillators located around Del Webb. These life-saving units can be found in both Lodges, the Woodshop, along the lake paths, and the golf course. AED units contain easy-to-understand voice instructions. Take a minute and look at one next time you see these bright red AED boxes. Being familiar with their operation might save a life.
Advice from Dan Wagner, Chief of the HFPD, concerning emergencies, is “WHEN IN DOUBT CALL 911.” Do not hesitate. They are here to serve our community and keep us safe. Do not be concerned with billing for their services. You will not pay anything beyond what your insurer covers, whether it be Medicare, Medicaid, or a private company. Your life and health are more important.
Another suggestion is to keep your FILE OF LIFE UPDATED (the 5 by 4-inch red plastic sleeve that attaches to the side of the refrigerator) with health and medication information. If you do not have one, contact the CAM desk or the Fire district; there is no cost.
Finally, the HFPD offers the PREMISE ALERT PROGRAM to all district residents. The goal of this program is to ensure that emergency personnel are equipped with additional information about the condition or special considerations of a resident before the need arises. The information you provide can include any special needs, home medical equipment (oxygen, wheelchairs, etc.), access codes, pets, etc. Go to www.huntleyfpd.org/premise-alert for more information and forms. Having this information on file in their secure database allows the responding fire personnel to prepare for special considerations before arriving at your location. Again, in emergencies, time is critical.
