Fire Department · Career
Winnetka Fire Department
Winnetka, IL · Cook County
24 sworn firemedics and 5 civilian employees.
The Winnetka Fire Department protects the Village of Winnetka, the Village of Kenilworth, and portions of unincorporated Cook County on Chicago's North Shore, and provides mutual aid to neighboring communities. In 2025 it responded to 2,644 calls for service.
The department maintains a full-time professional staff of 25 — 24 sworn fire personnel plus a public safety analyst — along with four part-time fire inspectors. It operates within the RED Center dispatch and MABAS Division 3 mutual-aid systems, fields specialized response teams, and administers a longstanding fire-sprinkler ordinance for change-of-use occupancies.
Winnetka hires Firefighter/Paramedics onto a 24-member sworn career staff.
Requirements
- Legal authorization to work in the United States at date of hire
- At least 21 years old to be employed (may test if turning 21 within six months of the exam)
- Under 35 at date of examination (exceptions for prior firefighters and qualifying military service)
- Valid driver's license
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Far vision correctable to 20/40 with normal peripheral vision and color distinction
- Valid CPAT and Ladder Climb certifications within one year of Final Eligibility List creation
Hiring process
- Complete testing and application through Public Safety Testing before the deadline
- Placement on the Initial Eligibility List
- Submit claims for education, military, and/or experience preference points
- Candidates are not required to be paramedics — non-paramedic hires attend the Ascension Saint Francis EMT-P training program
Benefits
Firemedic salary range (2026) $91,201-$124,511, with village-provided equipment, turnout gear, and uniforms plus an annual uniform allowance, paramedic and fitness stipends, and holiday pay; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, holiday, FLSA, and sick leave; and a firefighter pension. Shift personnel are represented by IAFF Local 2077.
How large is the Winnetka Fire Department?
A full-time professional staff of 25 — 24 sworn fire personnel and a public safety analyst — plus four part-time fire inspectors.
What area does the department serve?
The villages of Winnetka and Kenilworth and unincorporated Cook County, plus mutual aid to neighbors — about 2,644 calls in 2025.
Who is the fire chief?
John Ripka is the Winnetka Fire Chief.