A new program at the Loves Park Fire Department is giving the community a chance to be seen and heard before an emergency.

“Many times, in my career, I wish I had something like this, or I wish I knew going into a fire where the grandparents were sleeping, right? Where the pets are at, what kind of pets they had. Had we had this technology or this information 15, 20 years ago, I think more people would be alive for sure,” said Fire Chief James Hart.

Less than a month ago, the department launched Community Connect, which Hart said was one of the first to do in Northern Illinois. Families share information so responders can plan more effectively and respond more quickly.

“You can put their name, their age. What kind of needs do they have? Does this member of your family have autism? Are t

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