Waukegan Fire Department

Waukegan Fire Department Mission of professionalism, dedication to duty, integrity and training to safeguard the lives and property of the citizens of Waukegan....
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Our Values
The Waukegan Fire Department values:
The public trust and our opportunity to serve
A work environment that promotes health, wellness and harmony
Respect for each person, free of harassment, discrimination and retaliation
Leadership which is committed to the department's mission
A work force which reflects the community we serve
A highly motivated and trained force
Teamwork which effectively achieve the department's vision and mission

Our Goals
Develop an effective administration to manage the resources of the department
Develop a system to minimize impacts of disasters and other life safety emergencies
Provide an effective Emergency Medical Services System
Provide Public Education to all residents
Provide an effective Fire Prevention Bureau System

Our Focus
In satisfaction of the department's mission statement, these primary objectives are assigned to the personnel of the Waukegan Fire Department as follows:
Extinguish accidental or destructive fires and to prevent the occurrence and spread of such fires
Enforce all fire prevention regulations and all other ordinances and laws within the competence of the department
Provide for emergency medical and rescue service
Review all building plans to ensure adherence to all fire prevention methods and procedures
Provide public education regarding fire prevention methods and procedures
Educate and train Fire Department personnel to efficiently perform in their areas of responsibility and prepare them to function in the next highest position
Establish and annually review an activity schedule to assure maximum utilization of manpower and coverage for all necessary activities
Provide safety equipment for department personnel, which will assure adequate protection in all atmospheres and under all working conditions encountered
Develop good physical fitness of all personnel to adequately maintain apparatus, hose, and equipment through programs and equipment to provide immediate response and use with maximum efficiency at all emergencies

🎉Congratulations to Captain Wolczyz and Lieutenant Bakke on successfully completing the 40-hour Officer Boot Camp.🎉This...
09/23/2026

🎉Congratulations to Captain Wolczyz and Lieutenant Bakke on successfully completing the 40-hour Officer Boot Camp.🎉

This comprehensive program is designed to equip newly promoted officers with the leadership, tactical, team-building, and communication skills necessary to effectively manage emergency incidents while confidently leading personnel in their new roles.

We are pleased to announce the promotions of: đź‘Ź Deputy Chief Todd Zupecđź‘Ź Battalion Chief Marco Vazquezđź‘Ź Captain Michael ...
09/14/2026

We are pleased to announce the promotions of:

đź‘Ź Deputy Chief Todd Zupec
đź‘Ź Battalion Chief Marco Vazquez
đź‘Ź Captain Michael Wolczyz
đź‘Ź Lieutenant Eric Bakke

Please join us in congratulating each of them on this significant achievement. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment to the Waukegan community are truly appreciated.
Congratulations, and best wishes in your new roles!

The Waukegan Fire Department is proud to participate in the 2026 Statewide Smoke Alarm Installation Blitz, taking place ...
09/03/2026

The Waukegan Fire Department is proud to participate in the 2026 Statewide Smoke Alarm Installation Blitz, taking place October 18–24, 2026.

As part of this statewide effort, our crews will be available to install 10-year sealed-battery smoke alarms in homes that need them.

🏠 Waukegan residents who need smoke alarms installed must register by October 12, 2026.

đź“… Registration Deadline: October 12, 2026
Call 847-249-5410 or email [email protected]

🚒 Installation Week: October 18–24, 2026
Installations will be completed by Fire Department personnel.
If you or someone you know needs smoke alarms in their home, don't wait — register by October 12!
Please see the attached flyer for additional information and registration details.
Working smoke alarms save lives. Make sure your home is protected.

Waukegan Firefighter/Paramedic Ugalde, who also works for LifeNet out of McHenry, IL, conducted helicopter landing zone ...
08/26/2026

Waukegan Firefighter/Paramedic Ugalde, who also works for LifeNet out of McHenry, IL, conducted helicopter landing zone setup and safety training for the Waukegan Fire Department.
This training will continue over the next two days and will be provided to all members. Landing zone (LZ) training helps our firefighters develop the skills necessary to quickly identify and address potential hazards, control debris and dust, establish perimeter security, and safely load patients.
A special thank you to FF/Paramedic Ugalde, as well as American Outfitters and AB Specialty, for allowing us to use the property between their businesses to conduct this valuable training.

Today we celebrate the retirement of Fire Chief Gregg Paiser after 29 years of dedicated service, leadership and commitm...
08/14/2026

Today we celebrate the retirement of Fire Chief Gregg Paiser after 29 years of dedicated service, leadership and commitment to the City of Waukegan . Thank you for always putting others first and for setting an example for the firefighters who followed your lead. Your leadership, mentorship and confidence in others has help build the strong department it is today. You have left a lasting impression on all of us and your legacy you leave behind today will never be forgotten. Congratulations!

Honoring 25 years of serviceđźš’On Saturday August 8th 2026 Firefighter Damien McClinton has retired from the Waukegan Fire...
08/13/2026

Honoring 25 years of serviceđźš’

On Saturday August 8th 2026 Firefighter Damien McClinton has retired from the Waukegan Fire Department. The Waukegan Fire Department recognizes and congratulates Firefighter McClinton after 25 years of dedicated service sacrifice, and dedication to the Waukegan Fire Department and the citizens of Waukegan. We wish you nothing but happiness, good health, and many great adventures in this next chapter of life!

Honoring 30 Years of Service đźš’Today, the Waukegan Fire Department recognizes and congratulates Firefighter McGrain on hi...
08/13/2026

Honoring 30 Years of Service đźš’

Today, the Waukegan Fire Department recognizes and congratulates Firefighter McGrain on his retirement after an incredible 30 years of dedicated service, from 1996–2026.
For three decades, he has answered the call, served the community, and stood alongside his fellow firefighters through countless moments, both challenging and rewarding. His commitment, dedication, and service have left a lasting impact on the Waukegan Fire Department and the community he proudly served.

Congratulations, Firefighter McGrain, and thank you for 30 years of service to the Waukegan community!

The US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois is warning of a fast-moving line of severe thunderstorms expected to re...
08/11/2026

The US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois is warning of a fast-moving line of severe thunderstorms expected to reach Waukegan between approximately 10AM and 10:30AM.

Storms could bring 75+ mph winds and torrential rainfall that may cause flash flooding.

Stay weather aware, secure loose outdoor items and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts. If a warning is issued for your area, seek shelter immediately.

• Please report power outages and downed powerlines to ComEd at 1-800-334-7661.
• Downed trees can be reported to Waukegan Public Works at https://waukeganil.comcate.com/en or by calling 847-360-0944.

For any life-threatening situations or emergencies, please call 911 immediately.

Over a three-day period, the Waukegan Fire Department Training Division conducted 6 Mayday/Mock LODD training evolutions...
08/11/2026

Over a three-day period, the Waukegan Fire Department Training Division conducted 6 Mayday/Mock LODD training evolutions involving 83 members in Honor of Lt. Garrett Ramos (Sterling FD LODD Dec. 04, 2021). The realistic scenario challenged personnel to manage a firefighter emergency from the initial Mayday through the operational and administrative response to a simulated line-of-duty death. The training provided valuable opportunities to identify strengths, evaluate areas for improvement, and reinforce the critical skills necessary to effectively manage one of the fire service's most challenging incidents.

As students begin heading back to school across Waukegan, let's work together to keep them safe.Remember to stop for sch...
08/06/2026

As students begin heading back to school across Waukegan, let's work together to keep them safe.

Remember to stop for school buses when required by law:
• On two-lane roads, traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus has its stop arm extended.
• On multi-lane or divided roads, vehicles traveling behind the bus must stop. Traffic traveling in the opposite direction may proceed with caution if separated by a median or physical divider.

Always watch for children crossing the street, especially near bus stops and schools. Passing a school bus with its stop signal arm extended is against the law and puts children at serious risk.

Some Waukegan schools are already back in session, with the rest returning over the coming weeks. Let's help make this school year a safe one for every student, parent, bus driver, and motorist.

Address

1101 Belvidere Road
Waukegan, IL
60085

Telephone

+18476256335

Website

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