Chicago Heights Fire Department

Chicago Heights Fire Department This page is dedicated to the past and present members of the Chicago Heights Fire Department. Comments from the citizens we serve are welcome.

This is a place to share photos, stories, and the history and tradition of the CHFD. We will post community activities in which the Fire Department will be involved.

🎉 Congratulations to B Shift Captain Lou Wortel on 19 years of dedicated service with the Chicago Heights Fire Departmen...
09/01/2026

🎉 Congratulations to B Shift Captain Lou Wortel on 19 years of dedicated service with the Chicago Heights Fire Department! 🎉

Throughout his career, Captain Wortel has consistently demonstrated a commitment to professional growth, leadership, and serving both the department and our community.

His educational accomplishments include being a Chief Fire Officer, earning a Master’s Degree in Public Safety Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Safety Management, and an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science. Lou is also a Licensed Registered Nurse.

In addition to his role as Captain, Lou serves as the department’s Communications Coordinator and Community Risk Reduction Coordinator, and has previously served as Training Officer. Throughout his career, he has consistently pursued professional education, certifications, and leadership development.

Thank you, Captain Wortel, for your 19 years of dedication, leadership, and service to the Chicago Heights Fire Department and the community we proudly serve. Congratulations on this milestone! 🚒👏🔥

Last week’s training focused on hoisting uncharged hose lines to above-ground floors. 🚒In multi-story buildings, getting...
08/31/2026

Last week’s training focused on hoisting uncharged hose lines to above-ground floors. 🚒

In multi-story buildings, getting hose lines quickly and efficiently to the fire floor is critical. Hoisting hose allows crews to reduce the amount of hose being carried through stairwells, helps prevent congestion, and conserves valuable energy before firefighters begin advancing the line.

This is also an effective tactic when a building’s standpipe system is not working or cannot be used, allowing firefighters to get a hose line to upper floors and maintain the ability to quickly put water on the fire.

Training on these techniques helps ensure our crews are prepared to work efficiently and safely in a variety of situations. 💪🔥

Congratulations to Engineer Kelly Mueller on celebrating 9 years of service with the Chicago Heights Fire Department! 🎉🚒...
08/29/2026

Congratulations to Engineer Kelly Mueller on celebrating 9 years of service with the Chicago Heights Fire Department! 🎉🚒

Kelly was honored as the 2025 Firefighter of the Year and continues to be an important asset to the department and our community. In addition to her duties as an Engineer, Kelly serves as the department’s Certified Car Seat Technician and is a member of the department’s Community Risk Reduction Team. She is also a member of the MABAS 24 Haz Mat Team and recently joined the CART Team.

Thank you, Kelly, for your continued dedication, commitment, and service to the Chicago Heights Fire Department and the community we proudly serve. Congratulations on 9 years! 👏🔥

🎉 Congratulations to Firefighter/Paramedic Zack Hayes on 5 years of service with the Chicago Heights Fire Department! 🎉
08/27/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Firefighter/Paramedic Zack Hayes on 5 years of service with the Chicago Heights Fire Department! 🎉

🔥 4 YEARS OF SERVICE! 🚒Today we celebrate Firefighter/Paramedic Aaron Anderson on 4 years of dedicated service with the ...
08/26/2026

🔥 4 YEARS OF SERVICE! 🚒

Today we celebrate Firefighter/Paramedic Aaron Anderson on 4 years of dedicated service with the Chicago Heights Fire Department!

Aaron wears many hats, serving as the Lead Fire Investigator for the Chicago Heights Fire Department and one of the Lead Investigators for MABAS 27. He also shares his knowledge and experience as the Coordinator and Lead Instructor for the EMT-B course at Prairie State College.

His commitment to the fire service, education, and the communities he serves is truly appreciated.

🎉 5 YEARS OF SERVICE! 🚒Today we celebrate Firefighter/Paramedic Jonah Sangorska on 5 years of dedicated service with the...
08/23/2026

🎉 5 YEARS OF SERVICE! 🚒

Today we celebrate Firefighter/Paramedic Jonah Sangorska on 5 years of dedicated service with the Chicago Heights Fire Department!

Thank you, Jonah, for your commitment to our department and the community we proudly serve.

Last weekend, the Chicago Heights Fire Department had the pleasure of being invited to the Ford Family Open House Tailga...
08/19/2026

Last weekend, the Chicago Heights Fire Department had the pleasure of being invited to the Ford Family Open House Tailgate Event!

Every two years, the Ford plant in Chicago Heights opens its doors for this great event, and every time it seems to get even better! Ford families enjoyed a day filled with great food, plant tours, a car show, family-friendly games, and plenty of activities for everyone.

Our crews were proud to be there providing free blood pressure checks, smoke detectors, fire safety information and, of course, giving everyone a chance to climb aboard the fire truck! đźš’

A huge THANK YOU to Ford for inviting us and for continuing to make this such a great event for your families and our community.

We’re already looking forward to the next one! 👏

Please join us in congratulating B Shift Lieutenant Tim Sullivan on 16 years of service with the Chicago Heights Fire De...
08/18/2026

Please join us in congratulating B Shift Lieutenant Tim Sullivan on 16 years of service with the Chicago Heights Fire Department! 🚒🔥

Lieutenant Sullivan serves at Station 4 and also plays an important role as one of our Training Coordinators, helping ensure our members are prepared to safely and effectively serve our community.

Thank you, Tim, for 16 years of dedication, leadership, and service to the citizens of Chicago Heights! đź‘Źđźš’

Weather Response & Flooding Reminder 🌧️Over the past 48 hours, the Chicago Heights Fire Department has responded to a tr...
08/13/2026

Weather Response & Flooding Reminder 🌧️

Over the past 48 hours, the Chicago Heights Fire Department has responded to a tremendous number of calls for assistance related to severe weather and flooding.

With more storms expected later today, we are asking residents to help only if they can do so safely by clearing leaves and debris from clogged storm drains near their homes. Keeping drains clear can help reduce additional flooding in our neighborhoods.

If you are unable to safely clear a drain or need assistance, please contact City Hall.

We want to thank all of our residents for their patience, understanding, and cooperation during these challenging weather events. We also want to recognize the hard work of the Chicago Heights Street Department, Police Department, and all of the other crews and agencies working alongside us to help our community.

Please stay safe, stay weather aware, and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather. 🚒🌧️

08/13/2026

Following recent severe weather that impacted communities in southern Cook County and surrounding areas, the American Red Cross continues to support residents as they navigate the aftermath.

Three shelters are available for those impacted:
đź“ŤSouthland High School, 4601 Sauk Trail, Richton Park, IL
đź“ŤOur Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 205 E. Jackson St., Joliet, IL
📍Rauner Center – American Red Cross of Illinois Headquarters, 2200 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL

Anyone impacted by the severe weather is welcome to come to a shelter for:

--A safe place to stay
-- Meals and snacks
-- Charging stations
-- Access to information, Red Cross assistance and community resources

Our volunteers are there to provide comfort, care and support during this difficult time.

đź“žIf you or someone you know needs assistance following a local disaster or home fire, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Please share this information to help us reach neighbors who may need support.

Address

83 E Joe Orr Road
Chicago Heights, IL
60411

Telephone

+17087565370

Website

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