Employment Opportunity - Full Time Fire Chief

The Village of Peoria Heights, Illinois, is currently accepting applications for a paid Fire Chief.

Applications may be picked up and/or submitted with a resume at Village Hall, 4901 N. Prospect Rd., Peoria Heights, IL 61616. Salary is range is $65,000-$100,000 depending on qualifications and includes benefits. For more information on this position and a job description, please visit peoriaheights.org.

Applications are due by Friday, October 3, 2025

Job Description

Job Title: Fire Chief

Date: October 24, 2023

Department: Fire Department

Schedule: Negotiable

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status:Non-Exempt

Supervisor: Mayor

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes

Position Objective: The Fire Chief is responsible for the leadership, direction, and general administrative oversight to the Fire Department and employees responsible for fire protection, code enforcement and prevention and "All Hazards" disaster preparedness within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Village of Peoria Heights. Work involves significant community engagement and public involvement with elected officials, fire, EMS, numerous public safety agencies and institutions, as well as other governmental entities, citizens, business owner/operators and neighborhood groups.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

  • Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the work of the Fire Department including all aspects of fire suppression, training, communications, code enforcement and prevention, administration, emergency medical services, and “All Hazards” disaster preparedness, including facilities, equipment, apparatus, personnel, public information/education, and fire inspection/investigation and code enforcement.

  • Oversee the management of the day-today administration of the Fire Department, including budget, departmental structure and staffing, field operations, reporting and communications, stewardship and development of assets, personnel and labor relations, incident management, employee safety, quality control, records and reporting.

  • Coordinate programs and activities of the Fire Department with other City and/or County departments, local and regional agencies, and citizen groups to ensure that programs and activities meet the fire and emergency medical services needs of the community.

  • Provide for ongoing research into new approaches, technologies and trends, and recommend implementation of programs and equipment to help the Fire Department achieve its objectives more efficiently.

  • Develop and maintain a workforce committed to, and with highly developed competencies in, customer service, results orientation, and teamwork.

  • Directly or through managers, appoint, supervise, provide for training, performance evaluation and development; safety; and accountability of the Fire Departments' employees.

  • Ensure the financial well-being of the Fire Department by establishing cost control measures and monitoring all fiscal operations of the Fire Department.

  • Prepare annual budget and justify budget requests and amendments.

  • Ensure the efficient and economical use of departmental funds, personnel, equipment, materials, facilities and time.

  • Work with elected officials, department heads, staff, and other agencies to develop long-range plans for meeting the fire and emergency medical services needs of the community.

  • Work with local, county, state and federal agencies to keep abreast of current trends and laws in the fire service, EMS and communications for the regional improvement of these activities.

  • Liaison with other fire agencies served by the Fire Communications Center to develop county-wide fire communications policies and procedures.

  • Develop and enforce the fire code, fire prevention ordinances, and building construction fire code compliance, including investigation of the causes and circumstances of fires.

  • Oversee emergency medical services provided by the Village of Peoria Heights, ensuring efficiency of operations and maintenance of quality standards in administration and services, including records security, reporting, and fiscal soundness.

  • Maintain public relations and public education activities including news releases, web site information, meetings, appearances and effective media communications during emergency operations.

  • Establish rules and regulations for the Fire Department that meet applicable federal, state and local laws and furthers consistency with established national and state standards for fire/EMS/Emergency Management services.

  • Provide information and advice to the Mayor and Village Board on strategic planning and accomplishment of Village goals and objectives.

  • Participate in organization-wide strategic planning.

  • Coordinate the Fire Department's activities with those of other City departments and offices to ensure a consistent approach towards common projects and interests and the cost-effective delivery of services.

  • Monitor, prepare and propose Village responses to pertinent legislation related to fire/EMS services.

  • Oversee the general direction, supervision and evaluation of all paid and volunteer personnel, including employee safety, training and job performance.

  • Develop and propose to the Village Board the department’s annual budget and strategic planning.

  • Attend monthly Village Board and community meetings.

  • Monitor and control department appropriations and expenditures.

  • Prepare shift scheduling of all personnel.

  • Recommend to the Village Board all appointments, promotions, demotions, transfers, and terminations of personnel.

  • Recommend and enforce all department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

  • Assess and respond to citizen complaints in a timely, courteous and effective manner.

  • Evaluate the need for and recommend to the Village Board the purchase of new equipment, apparatus, additional personnel, and emergency supplies when needed.

  • Respond to alarms, administer initial emergency (care, response and/or service) when necessary, and direct activities at the scene of emergencies, as required. Inspect property for fire dangers and damage.

  • Oversee all firefighting operations and fire prevention procedures including, but not limited to, disaster relief and prevention, hazardous materials, flooding and flood damage prevention, safety and risk management.

  • Ensure apparatus is in good working order at all times.

  • Maintain and implement Village disaster preparation plans.

  • Take appropriate safety precautions, anticipate unsafe circumstances, and act accordingly to prevent accidents. Maintain the safety of self, others and equipment. Use all required safety equipment and procedures.

 

Marginal Responsibilities

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience Requirements

  • Associates degree or higher in emergency management, fire service administration, public administration or related field desired

  • Must currently possess and have the ability to maintain an Illinois EMT/FR, EMT or Paramedic License.

  • Must be currently certified by Illinois OSFM as an Advanced Technician Firefighter or higher, Fire Service Instructor II or higher, and Fire Apparatus Engineer.

  • Must possess a valid Illinois State driver’s license.

  • In place of the above requirements, any combination of relevant education, training and experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the essential functions of the job will be considered.

  • Minimum fifteen (15) years of firefighting, safety and risk management experience with at least Five (5) years in a Company Officer or higher command position.

  • Have working experience in the use of fire and EMS equipment.

Competency Requirements

  • Basic mathematical skills.

  • Proficient in Microsoft Word.

  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel.

  • Effective time management.

  • Ability to multi-task.

  • Must be available to attend Village Board, Special and Committee Meetings.

  • Ability to operate emergency apparatus and equipment, with knowledge of safety policies and regulations, as well as applicable federal, state and local laws.

  • Knowledge of fire prevention, fire suppression, hazardous materials mitigation, technical rescue operations, and fire investigation methods, practices and procedures, with the ability to apply such knowledge and proper procedures to specific situations in a calm manner.

  • Working knowledge of community geography, including street names and locations, building structures and hospital locations.

  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.

  • Have a working knowledge of federal, state and local laws and ordinances pertaining to fire and EMS services, including fire inspection.

  • Make emergency decisions under stressful conditions which might be irreversible and which could result in immediate risk to life, property, environment, and could result in liability to the City, its citizens, or other agencies or jurisdictions involved in the emergency.

  • Conduct self at all times in an ethical, professional and respectful manner.

  • Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with citizens and stakeholders, both internal and external.

Physical Requirements

  • Frequent walking and sitting.

  • Regular lifting/pulling/pushing up to 100 pounds.

  • Occasional lifting/pulling/pushing over 100 pounds.

  • Regular reaching, reaching overheard, and grasping.

  • Frequent standing, walking, and sitting.

  • Regular stooping and crawling.

  • Other physical activities related to a Fire Department.

  • Operates general office equipment, including multi-line phone, fax machine, printer, copier, and personal computer.

Work Environment

  • Due to the nature of firefighting and emergency services work, an employee in this position will be exposed to potential hazards such as extreme heat and smoke, unstable structures, live electrical lines, toxic gases, and bloodborne pathogens. Therefore, the employee is required to use protective clothing and equipment and must have the ability to pass annual physicals. The physical demands of this job also call for above average endurance and conditioning. Duties may include strenuous activities under adverse environmental conditions over extended periods of time. Requirements include running, climbing stairs with a heavy load, jumping, twisting, bending, and lifting more than 100 pounds. The pace of the work is set by the emergency situation. During both emergency and non-emergency situations, the employee must be able to conduct coherent voice communication in person as well as via portable radio.

  • Moderate moving machinery, exposure to dust, extreme heat, extreme cold, humidity/water, outdoor weather conditions, toxic chemicals or fumes, electricity/risk of electric shock and loud noise.

The above job description reflects the general requirements necessary to perform the principal functions or responsibilities of the job identified and shall not be interpreted as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job, either at present or in the future, and may be amended by the management as appropriate, with or without notice.

August 2025 Wrap-up

August 2025 Wrap-up

The Peoria Heights Village Board is considering the implementation of a local grocery tax, with Mayor Matt Wigginton expressing his opposition up front. The conversation was prompted by the state’s elimination of the 1% tax on its end, effective at the end of this calendar year.

The Board expects to act on the issue one way or another at its Sept. 2 meeting.

The discussion centered around the same issues that triggered the state’s action, namely Gov. JB Pritzker’s view that the tax is “regressive,” meaning its impact falls the hardest on the poorest and most vulnerable citizens. That was the rationale voiced by Wigginton, and ultimately a few others at the table in expressing their opposition.

The issue may be somewhat moot, as the Heights is set to lose its only full-scale grocery story, Save A Lot, next year, though Village officials are seeking a replacement. Even so, the state’s move is likely to cost the Village about $125,000 in sales tax revenue annually unless the Village imposes its own grocery tax.

Trustee Brandon Wisenburg is not a fan. If you’re earning six figures, that grocery tax is “barely felt,” he said. But if you’re like many Heights residents who are living paycheck to paycheck, groceries and the taxes on them become a much larger percentage of your household income. “It’s hard out there,” said Wisenburg.

Meanwhile, the Village has been running annual budget surpluses for some time, making it possible to absorb any potential loss, he indicated. Finally, creating a local tax “would undo the relief the state just gave our residents,” said Wisenburg. “I’m opposed to a new tax.”

The flip side of that coin, said Trustee Nate Steinwedel, is the potential to see “the starts of a food desert” in Peoria Heights, with the proceeds from a grocery tax potentially coming in handy to incentivize another market to come to the town. Some nearby communities, including Peoria, have already adopted a local grocery tax, noted Steinwedel, adding that he has concerns about the Heights now losing tax dollars to those surrounding communities because residents no longer have a local grocery option.

Wigginton countered that by saying the city has other economic development tools, namely tax increment financing, enterprise zones and Business Development Districts to lure another grocer.

Trustee Sarah DeVore also expressed some mixed feelings. “I feel like it needs to go to a vote,” she said.

  • The Board supported a proposal for the Village to become an Illinois American 250 Community, which will require the Heights to either make a financial contribution or host some kind of event celebrating the 250th anniversary of the nation’s Declaration of Independence.

“An event is much more rewarding than writing a check,” joked Wigginton.

To that end, the mayor created a committee to be chaired by Trustees Jen Reichert and Brandon Wisenburg to brainstorm and help execute some ideas honoring America’s founding document. “What better reason to have another carnival than a 250th celebration,” said Wisenburg.

  • Mayor Matt Wigginton announced a new collaboration with Bradley University that will have the Village painting the university’s signature “B” logo on Kingman Avenue in front of the A Matter of Taste Community Kitchen, which Bradley leases from the Village for its culinary incubator.

Trustees generally backed the idea, adding that the street art could have the added benefit of being a traffic-calming device as motorists slow to look at it. The project should come at “very minimal cost,” said Public Works Supervisor Chris Chandler. Meanwhile, the effort could be of mutual benefit to both parties, first as a recruitment tool for the university, which in turn is supporting the Heights’ downtown and its restaurant row by turning out new culinary talent, said the mayor.

Look for Bradley’s white and red soon.

  • The Village Board unanimously approved a Business Development District grant of $1,000 to restaurateur Frank Abdnour for a sign at his new business, Frank’s: Home of Frank’s Famous Italian Beef, 4408 N. Prospect Road.

“We’re thrilled to have you back in the Village of Peoria Heights,” Trustee Elizabeth Khazzam said of Abdnour, who formerly operated The Spotted Cow for nearly two decades in the Village’s Downtown.

“I’ve opened four or five restaurants in my career. This has probably been the easiest,” said Abdnour, who lauded the Village’s business-friendly approach. “I can’t thank the Village enough. You guys have been awesome to deal with.

“It is good to be home.”

  • Jake Kencke was sworn in as the newest police officer in Peoria Heights.

  • Barry Rolett, a former Peoria firefighter and police and fire dispatcher and EMS coordinator in the Village, was named to fill a vacancy on the Police and Fire Commission through 2027, and JT Kellock was appointed to the Heights Zoning Board of Appeals through 2029.

  • The Board voted unanimously to authorize the temporary closure of multiple Village streets to accommodate the Peoria Heights High School homecoming parade on Sept. 19. Parts of Marietta, Prospect and Glen will be closed from 3 to 4:30 p.m. that Friday, with intersections blocked at Park, Clarendon, Bellevue and Glen.

  • The Board authorized the purchase and installation of a solar-powered flashing stop sign at the intersection of West Lake Street and Boulevard Avenue. Poor visibility and high traffic have produced some safety issues at that intersection.

The project will cost about $1,700. Because that intersection is right at the Village’s boundary with the City of Peoria, the latter also will be doing the same on its side of the street, said Village Administrator Dustin Sutton.

Meanwhile, Village leaders also are talking about other signage, specifically some kind of welcome structure that lets people know when they have entered the Village.

  • The Village Board accepted the bid of Herman & Associates to do the engineering work on the Glen Avenue ramp and sidewalk project, which is largely being paid for through a $760,000 grant secured through the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, augmented by a $40,000 supplemental grant attained recently by Peoria County Board member and Tri-County Vice Chairman Danny Phelan.

  • The Board approved the expenditure of just over $8,700 for two new sets of turnout gear for Heights firefighters.

  • The Board received an update on the lead service line replacement in the Village. As of mid-August, 131 lines had been replaced, with the goal of getting to more than 220 structures yet this calendar year. Lead is extremely toxic to humans, especially to children, and investigators have found heavier lead levels the farther they get from the Heights downtown area.

The installations have come at no cost to Village residents, thanks to grant acquisitions, and “a lot of our neighboring communities can’t say that,” said Wigginton. Homeowners have the option of saying “no thank you,” but that has been a relatively rare occurrence.

Letter from the Chamber Taste of the Heights

To our valued Heights business owners:

A Taste of the Heights is back and better than ever! We are so excited to bring this event back to Peoria Heights on

Thursday, September 25th from 5:00-9:00 pm. The Village has agreed to close the entire block to traffic on Prospect

from the foot of Heritage Square (Marietta) all the way to Glen if needed but at least to Samuel. Samuel,

Seiberling, Duryea and Kelly will also be closed the day of the event. These roads will be closed at 6:00 am so

please inform your employees and customers that parking will not be available on those streets.

We had over 6,000 attendees last year and expect to exceed that number this year, so please prepare accordingly.

We recommend that you keep your businesses open to foot traffic throughout the event to capitalize on the

amazing number of people that will be here. We also invite you to set up a booth showcasing your business! If you

are interested in having a booth in front of your business, please reach out to Steven Cook at 217-972-3008 so that

we can map out the event. We are bringing back our Kid Zone and adding a second stage on Prospect between

Duryea and Samuel!

This year we are asking for your help to sell tokens in advance. This will help speed up the lines and allow patrons

to enjoy everything the Taste has to offer. We will be setting up 8 token booths this year and making them easily

identifiable, but advanced sales are key to a better operation. We will also be using stamps when we check IDs for

festivalgoers to speed up the process of serving alcohol and selling tokens. Individual and community financial

success has great potential for us all, but we need your help to make it better!

If you are interested in pre-selling tokens at your business, please contact Steven Cook at 217-972-3008. Your

business will be listed on our social media posts showing where patrons can pre-buy tokens. Thank you for your

continued support of this incredible event. We hope to continue making the Heights a destination for the Peoria

area!

Below is a list of additional bullet points for the event:

• Parking at Williams Brothers Construction and the grass lot behind the Old Pabst Building

• All food and drink vendors will accept tokens not cash

• Tokens can be purchased in advance at participating vendors and the day of the event at booths located

on each block CASH ONLY

• Tokens will have a value of $1 each

• All food items will be priced from $1 - $5

• Token sales will end at 8:30 pm

• We will not be offering reimbursement for unused tokens, they are good for all future events

• Beer, wine, soda and water will be available to purchase at beverage stations on each block

• All restaurants will be open for regular dinner and beverage sales indoors and on their patio

• There will be live entertainment at the stage on Kelly Ave and the ISB Trust and Wealth Management

building

• Look for advertising on Peoria Heights Chamber website, Instagram, and Facebook page!