Fire Chief

Key Priorities & Responsibilities

• Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, and operational excellence through visible and effective leadership
• Support workforce development, recruitment, retention, and succession planning efforts across all ranks
• Enhance community risk reduction, prevention, and public education initiatives
• Leverage technology, data, and performance measures to support informed decision-making
• Plan for future service demands, capital needs, and emerging public safety challenges
• Oversee active and planned capital projects across the department's facilities and fleet, including new apparatus, station improvements, and a planned joint public safety facility
• Maintain and build on recent technology modernization investments (CAD, records management, incident command, training, and scheduling platforms)

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Fire Science, Public Administration, Emergency Management, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. A master's degree is strongly preferred.
• Leadership Experience: Minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in a career fire and emergency medical services organization, including at least five years of command-level leadership experience at the rank of Battalion Chief, Division Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, Fire Chief, or an equivalent executive leadership position.
• Certifications & Credentials: Illinois OSFM Advanced Fire Officer Certification (or Equivalent Credential), or the Ability To Obtain Certification Within Twelve (12) Months Of Appointment. Highly Desirable Credentials Include Illinois Chief Fire Officer, Executive Fire Officer (EFO), Comparable executive-level fire service certifications, EMS, and NIMS Requirements.
• Additional Requirements: Valid driver's license and a safe driving record. Ability to obtain Illinois licensure upon appointment.