Deputy Fire Rescue Chief of Operations and EMS

With a population of 40,743, Crystal Lake is the largest community in McHenry County and is a city with a rich history, rewarding quality of life and tremendous community spirit. Located 50 miles northwest of Chicago and home to two Metra stations, Crystal Lake residents enjoy the many employment, cultural, and recreational opportunities of a major metropolitan city, yet live in a pleasant, small-town atmosphere.  The City is a politically and financially stable home-rule community that is seeking two forward-thinking Deputy Fire Rescue Chiefs to play a strategic role with the leadership and direction of the Fire Rescue Department.

The current Deputy Fire Rescue Chief will be retiring after 30 years of service with the City. The second Deputy Chief position is a newly created position and approved by the City Council for 2025.

The Fire Rescue Department operates three stations throughout its 51.2 square mile service territory and serves a resident population of nearly 56,000. Services provided include fire protection, emergency medical care (Advance Life Support), fire inspections, public education, and special team response such as hazardous materials, dive rescue, trench, confined space, rope, and structural collapse. The Department responded to 7,586 calls for service in 2024.

This is an excellent opportunity for a talented professional to make a difference in a high-performing organization that employs the use of best practices. The 2025 Fiscal Year salary range for this position is $123,040-$182,875, with an anticipated starting salary around $160,000, commensurate with knowledge, skills and experience.

Interested individuals should submit an application package, including a letter of interest, resume, three professional references, and a completed application to Julie Meyer, Director of Human Resources.  The employment application and requested attachments can be completed online via the ‘Employment’ tab at www.crystallake.org.  Application deadline is Friday, April 25, 2025. 

For more information and a complete position profile, including responsibilities, minimum qualifications, and some general information about the City, please click HERE.

Salary : $123,040 - $182,875