Fox River and Countryside Fire Rescue District, IL – Fire Chief

The Fox River and Countryside Fire/Rescue District (pop. 25,000+) is seeking an energetic and experienced fire service leader with effective communication and interpersonal skills for the position of Fire Chief. A commitment to high professional standards is required and experience with both Fire and EMS is required. The District spans over 38 square miles covering parts of three townships (St. Charles, Campton Hills, and Wayne), within two counties (Kane and DuPage) in Illinois. It includes unincorporated areas in these townships as well as sections of St. Charles, South Elgin, the Villages of Wayne, and Campton Hills. The District’s mission is to “Provide world class fire, EMS, and community risk reduction programs in the community through leadership, innovation, collaboration, and partnerships. They also strive to “Promote fire and life safety and awareness within the community through administrative oversight for incident response, code enforcement and public education, accomplished through training, prevention, communication, emergency response, facilities, apparatus, equipment and other related emergency and non-emergency activities The Fire District accomplishes its mission through fire prevention and public fire safety education, fire suppression, rescue, hazard mitigation, and advanced life support services. 

• The District provides services from two stations located on the east and west side of the District.

• The District is led by a staff comprised of three (3) Battalion Chief/Shift Commanders, six (6) Lieutenant/paramedics, fourteen (14) full-time firefighter/paramedics, twenty (20) part-time personnel and an Administrative Coordinator.

• The District provides full Fire and EMS (Advanced Life Support) services with licensed Paramedics in the State of Illinois and is part of the Delnor Hospital EMS System. Patients are also transported to Central DuPage Hospital and Sherman Hospital in addition to St. Joseph’s in Elgin. 

• The District provides full fire prevention services under the direction of one Battalion Chief/Shift Commander and a Company Inspection program.

• The District responded to 2055 calls for service in 2022 and current data indicates a potential increase in calls for service in 2023 by 10%.

• The District has an annual budget of $6,606,444.

• The District has an ISO Rating of Class 3/6.

• The District is governed by a Board of Trustees consisting of five (5) members who are elected by the residents of the District. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

• The District is seeking an experienced, innovative, collaborative Fire/EMS leader with demonstrated managerial, interpersonal and customer service skills. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate a balance of commitment to the organization with a genuine confidence and approachable personality to residents, business, and governmental leaders. 

• It is particularly important the next Fire/EMS Chief be an integral and engaged leader of the Fire District, with a strong background in modern fire, EMS, Community Risk Reduction, emergency management and all hazards’ practices. 

• The new Fire/EMS Chief must understand the need to use data for problem solving to assess community risk and vulnerabilities. 

• The ideal candidate shall have experience working with a diverse workforce of full-time and part-time personnel. 

• The ability to mentor and foster leadership roles within the staff, succession planning, and a global vision of the District’s needs and vision are critical. Creativity and the ability to guide and balance change is necessary. 

• The capability to be an active participant in operations and training to safely function as a command officer on incident scenes including oversight of interior operations within IDLH conditions.

• The ability to develop strong relationships with surrounding Fire/EMS agencies for the most comprehensive and balanced approach to high-level services for the residents of the District.

• The next Fire/EMS Chief will also have a demonstrated record of fairness, transparency, and consistency in the administration of policies and procedures and the willingness to address issues in a positive and timely manner.

• The Fire/EMS Chief must possess well-developed writing and public speaking skills and the utmost integrity.

Successful candidates:

• Shall possess a bachelor’s degree in public safety administration or related field from an accredited college or university. A master’s degree is a plus. 

• At least 10 years of demonstrated leadership in supervisory positions with career development as a chief officer.

• Candidate’s successful completion of the Executive Fire Officer Program offered by the National Fire Academy, and or Chief Fire Officer Designation is desired.  

• Residency is required within a reasonable distance of the District for emergency response if not already residing in the District.

The annual starting salary range for this position is $130,000 +/- depending upon qualifications. The District also offers an attractive benefits package. Candidates interested in applying for the position should submit their résumé and cover letter electronically by November 4, 2023 along with contact information for five (5) work-related and/or professional references.  Questions may be addressed to consultant T.E. Sashko, Vice-President. Questions – (847)380-3240×123.

The Fox River and Countryside Fire Rescue District is an equal opportunity employer.

Posted: 2023-10-14