Winnetka FD Offers 'Birthday Salutes' To Kids During Coronavirus

WINNETKA, IL—The new coronavirus has forced many Illinois residents to cancel or postpone events that celebrate life's important milestones. For kids with birthdays during Illinois' coronavirus stay-at-home order, this can be particularly hard—especially since it means no parties.

But never fear! The Winnetka Fire Department is here to the rescue. According to the city, the department wants to do its part to still make those kids' birthdays as memorable as possible with a celebration they won't hopefully forget.

If you have a child between the ages of 2 and 10 with a birthday coming up during the state's stay-at-home order, you can request a birthday salute from the fire department. Salutes will consist of a stop, siren and flashing lights. No contact will be made, social distancing will be observed, and a birthday salute cannot cause a gathering of more than 10 people in one place to occur, or the engine will have to leave immediately, city officials stressed.

Birthday salutes will be conducted between 3 and 4 p.m., permitting the department's availability, city officials said. Firefighters with Engine 28 will not be available if called to an emergency. The salutes will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

To request a birthday salute, fill out the form found here, and a representative from the fire department will follow up with you.

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