From the early days of the village, Hodgkins maintained its own firefighting capabilities, going from an organized bucket brigade that assembled at the ringing of the large bell atop the original wood-frame Village Hall during the 20th century, to a Volunteer Fire Department with two full-time firefighters augmented by other volunteers who manned three fire engines. Since 1976, Hodgkins has been served by the Pleasantview Fire Protection District which began with one engine in 1946. It now serves a large area in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. It is administered by its own board of trustees made up of citizens living in its geographical district who are elected by voters in the district. The fire district currently maintains three stations throughout its coverage area. Station One, which also houses the district's headquarters, is located at 1970 Plainfield Road in La Grange Highlands. Station Two is located at 7675 Wolf Road in Burr Ridge. Station Three, the newest facility, is located at 9096 W. Joliet Road in Hodgkins. These three facilities serve the municipalities of Burr Ridge, Countryside, Hodgkins, and Indian Head Park, and the unincorporated areas of La Grange Highlands and other areas nearby. The district maintains professional, full-time firefighting crews at all three stations including paramedics for its ambulances. The Pleasantview Fire Protection District is also an integral member of a large Mutual Aid Association of fire fighters, paramedics, and rescue workers throughout the area. Hodgkins today The village of Hodgkins maintains its own police department, public works department, and water department, which purchases Lake Michigan water from McCook. Hodgkins Elementary School is part of La Grange School District 105. High school students attend Lyons Township High School. The Hodgkins Park District offers a large community center and schedules a myriad of activities all year long. The Hodgkins Public Library is a full-service facility within the Reaching Across Illinois Library System. The Village of Hodgkins currently employs 25 full- and part-time employees. Hodgkins is covered by two local newspapers: the Suburban Life; and the Desplaines Valley News. References External links Hodgkins Public Library Hodgkins Police Department Pleasantview Fire Protection District Hodgkins Elementary School LaGrange School District 105 Hodgkins Park District "Hodgkins, IL" at ChicagoHistory.org The Chicago Portage La Grange Suburban Life Desplaines Valley News Vulcan Materials Company McCook Quarry Villages in Cook County, Illinois Populated places established in 1896 1896 establishments in Illinois