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 effecti

vely 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

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 service🚒On Saturday August 8th 2026 Firefighter Damien McClinton has retired from the Waukegan Fire...
08/13/2026

Honoring 25 years of service🚒

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 🚒Today, the Waukegan Fire Department recognizes and congratulates Firefighter McGrain on hi...
08/13/2026

Honoring 30 Years of Service 🚒

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!

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.

The Office of the Waukegan Township Supervisor, Marc Jones, is offering a meal distribution for Waukegan Township reside...
07/28/2026

The Office of the Waukegan Township Supervisor, Marc Jones, is offering a meal distribution for Waukegan Township residents impacted by yesterday's severe storms.

Meals are available TODAY ONLY from 1PM to 4PM on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to the most vulnerable residents, including families with children and senior citizens. Proof of residency is required.

Please share this information with anyone who may need assistance.

Congratulations to Lieutenant Pellegrino and Ferguson on successfully completing the 40-hour Officer Boot Camp.This comp...
07/10/2026

Congratulations to Lieutenant Pellegrino and Ferguson 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.

Congratulations to both of you, and thank you for your commitment to professional development and serving the members of the Waukegan Fire Department.

As we approach the 4th of July holiday, the Waukegan Fire Dept. would like to reiterate the importance of celebrating sa...
07/02/2026

As we approach the 4th of July holiday, the Waukegan Fire Dept. would like to reiterate the importance of celebrating safely.
While fireworks are a holiday tradition for many, it's important to remember that fireworks are illegal in the City of Waukegan. Fireworks can cause serious injuries, fires, and put first responders and our community at risk.
Help keep our neighborhoods safe by leaving the fireworks to the professionals and attending a public fireworks display instead.
Let's all do our part to protect our families, neighbors, pets, and property this holiday weekend. By making safe choices, we can ensure everyone enjoys a happy and safe Fourth of July.
From all of us at the Waukegan Fire Department, have a safe and happy Independence Day!

The Waukegan Fire Department joins the Waukegan Police Department in reminding residents that fireworks are illegal in W...
07/01/2026

The Waukegan Fire Department joins the Waukegan Police Department in reminding residents that fireworks are illegal in Waukegan.

Help keep our community safe by leaving the fireworks to the professionals and enjoying the City's free Independence Day fireworks display at the lakefront this Saturday, July 4, at 9:30PM.

Together, we can make this holiday safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Celebrate America's 250th Birthday with the City of Waukegan on Saturday, July 4! Join us for a spectacular fireworks di...
07/01/2026

Celebrate America's 250th Birthday with the City of Waukegan on Saturday, July 4! Join us for a spectacular fireworks display over the Waukegan lakefront beginning at 9:30 PM.

Gather with family and friends and enjoy the show from the lakefront or one of the many viewing locations in Waukegan:

Waukegan Municipal Beach: Spend the day on the shore before the fireworks begin! Enjoy swimming, pack a picnic or fire up the grill, and grab a bite from nearby food trucks. Please note that holiday parking is $30 per vehicle for vehicles without a City of Waukegan Vehicle Sticker. The beach fills up quickly, so be sure to arrive early.

Waukegan Harbor: Take in the festive waterfront atmosphere at the harbor, home to the Waukegan Yacht Club, On the Rocks, and local favorites like Dockside Ice Cream & Deli. Enjoy great food, live music, and beautiful views before the fireworks light up the sky.

Downtown Waukegan: Make an evening of it by exploring downtown's restaurants, bars, and cafés. Grab dinner or drinks, then head to Jack Benny Plaza or Stern's Plaza for one of the best views of the 9:30 PM fireworks show over Lake Michigan.

Wherever you choose to celebrate, we can't wait to see you in Waukegan for an unforgettable Independence Day!

Address

1101 Belvidere Road
Waukegan, IL
60085

Telephone

+18476256335

Website

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