La Grange, IL (15,581) Named one of the Best Places to Live in Chicago Magazine, is a thriving, family-oriented community located 16-miles southwest of Chicago’s loop. The Village is seeking high-energy, highly professional, visionary, experienced candidates interested in serving as the next Fire Chief.  The current Fire Chief is retiring after thirty-years of service to the community.  Located in Cook County, La Grange has a bustling downtown with excellent restaurants, high-end retail, and a historic movie house. In addition, the community has beautiful neighborhoods and excellent schools all within 2.52 square miles and a short train ride to downtown Chicago. The Village is a full-service organization which provides Fire/EMS, Police, Community Development, Public Works, Financial and Administrative services.  The Village has a $38 million annual budget.  Please note the following about this opportunity:

• Not including the Fire Chief, the La Grange Fire Department has 18 sworn, full-time shift personnel working three (3) shifts out of a single fire station on a 24/48 schedule.  The Fire Chief is supported by a part-time administrative secretary with one (1) Captain as a shift commander and two (2) Acting Captains (Lieutenants) supervising the remaining two shifts.  The shift personnel are members of the IAFF Local 2338.  The La Grange Fire Department is a member of MABAS Division 10 providing state-of-the-art mutual aid services to the area.   The Department provides full fire, emergency medical services (ALS fire apparatus and ambulance – Loyola University Medical Center Emergency Medical Services System) and specialized response team functions to the Village and region. EMS transports are to four (4) hospitals in the area.  The Department responded to 2,013 emergency calls in 2018.  The Department was responsible for the inspection of 720 properties in 2018.  E911 communications and dispatching are provided by a joint dispatching effort with the Village of La Grange, the Village of La Grange Park and the Village of Western Springs. The Fire Department’s Department budget is $ 2.6 million annually.

• The Village 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 as well as the senior management team of the Village with a genuine confidence and approachable personality to residents, business and governmental leaders.   

• It is particularly important that the next Fire Chief be an integral and engaged leader of the Fire Department, with a strong background in modern fire, EMS, emergency management and all hazards practices.  The new Fire Chief must provide an understanding of the need to use data for problem solving and community risk reduction efforts. The ability to mentor and foster leadership roles within the staff, succession planning and a global vision of the community’s needs and vision are critical.  Creativity and the ability to guide and balance change is a must.

• The next Fire Chief will also have a demonstrated record of fairness, transparency and consistency in the administration of Departmental policies and procedures and the willingness to address issues in a positive and timely manner. The Fire Chief must possess well-developed writing and public speaking skills and the utmost integrity.

Successful candidates will possess a bachelor’s degree in fire science, emergency management, emergency medical services or related fields.  10-years’ experience and demonstrated leadership in a fire service command position is required.  A master’s degree is highly desired.  A graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer, Chief Fire Officer Designation or similar certifications are desirable.  The annual salary range for this position is $113,856 – $124,700 depending upon qualifications.   The Village of La Grange also offers an attractive benefits package. Residency in the Village of La Grange is not required.

Interested professionals should submit a resume, cover letter and contact information for 5 professional references by April 10, 2019 to Timothy E. Sashko, Vice-President at www.GovHRjobs.com. 
 

LA GRANGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Additional information about the Village of La Grange can be found on the Village’s website: www.villageoflagrange.com