As of today, due to an increasing number of calls for service, the Wheaton Fire and Police Departments will not be able to schedule future requests for drive-by visits for birthdays or other celebrations.
The Fire and Police Departments will do their best to honor currently scheduled requests through the end of May.
“We understand that having a birthday during the Stay-At-Home Executive Order can be disappointing for the children in our community,” said Fire Chief Bill Schultz. “While we genuinely enjoy being able to visit these youngsters, as our call volume continues to increase, we are finding that we don’t have the resources available to fulfill these requests.”
To date, the Wheaton Police and Fire Departments have made more than 78 drive-by visits throughout the community. Emergency calls related to COVID-19 and changes to the Governor’s Stay-At-Home Executive Order are resulting in a higher demand for the Police and Fire Departments’ services.
“The Wheaton Police Department looks forward to the day when we can all get back to celebrating birthdays together with our friends and family,” said Police Chief Bill Murphy. “The best way we can get to that point is for our community to stay home whenever possible, practice social distancing, and wash your hands frequently. We will get through this together, and we appreciate your help in doing your part to keep Wheaton safe and healthy.”
For more information on the City’s response to COVID-19, please visit www.wheaton.il.us/COVID-19.