Tradition
Since 1949, the Winthrop Harbor Fire Department has been evolving from a complete volunteer organization to an all-hazards, part-time paid, on-premise fire and rescue service.
Honor
The members of the Winthrop Harbor Fire Department recognize that the support from this community is unmatched. It is our honor to provide the most value-driven fire and rescue services possible.
Service
The Winthrop Harbor Fire Department provides all-hazards emergency response. For added value, the department works in conjunction with neighboring departments to provide a seamless emergency response.
Message from Fire Chief Rocco Campanella
On behalf of the women and men of the Winthrop Harbor Fire Department, I would like to invite you to become part of an organization with a rich history of producing high-quality Fire Service Professionals. Our greatest asset is our personnel. We seek to recruit highly skilled and motivated candidates for these challenging, dynamic, and rewarding career opportunities.
The Winthrop Harbor Fire Department is dedicated and committed to providing the highest level of service to the communities we serve. I encourage you to pursue a career with the department and take advantage of the opportunity to join an exceptional team.
Rocco Campanella
Fire Chief
Winthrop Harbor Fire Department
About Our Community
The Village of Winthrop Harbor is ideally located halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee, situated along the shores of Lake Michigan in northern Lake County. Winthrop Harbor is bordered by the State of Wisconsin to the north, Lake Michigan to the east, and the City of Zion to the south and west. The Village's prime location offers residents and tourists access to beaches, 240 acres of forest preserves, and North Point Marina — the largest marina on the Great Lakes. These destinations attract nearly one million visitors to the Village annually. The Winthrop Harbor Fire Department responds to fire, medical, and rescue calls for service along the Lake Michigan shore.
What WHFD Does
Our general duties are firefighting work, extinguishing and preventing fires, providing first response emergency medical service, and operating and maintaining the protection of life and property through firefighting, rescue, and fire prevention activities.
"We pride ourselves in the service we provide our community."
What WHFD Offers Its Members
Opportunity to Learn & Build Your Résumé
Experience is a critical factor when securing a position with a career department. Without adequate experience, you risk getting passed up for a vacancy you are actually qualified for.
Serve Your Local Community
Our staff not only serve their community but are equally more visible and active members of it. The work fire departments perform has a direct impact on the people you know and interact with daily.
A Sense of Pride
As part of the WHFD, you will benefit from a sense of accomplishment and pride that comes with this work. You will learn new skills, make new friends, and make a real difference in the community where you live.
Flexible Schedule for Work-Life Balance
The Winthrop Harbor Fire Department offers flexible hours for monthly commitments, giving you an excellent opportunity to pursue other employment, education, and daily family responsibilities.
Career Growth Opportunities
Most career fire departments give preference to candidates with previous experience in fire or EMS. The extensive training you receive at WHFD helps you grow both professionally and personally.
Build More Than Just Friendships
Working for the WHFD is a great way to strengthen and expand your professional network. You will have accomplished experts to turn to for references, career recommendations, and professional support.
Minimum Requirements — Part-Time Firefighter
Minimum Requirements
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- 18 years of age or older at the time of application
- Have a valid driver's license
- No felony convictions; no misdemeanor convictions that preclude service as a firefighter by statute (65 ILCS 5/10-1-7.1(i))
Preferred Requirements
- Illinois State EMT-Basic license or EMT-P
- Completed State of Illinois Basic Firefighter Certification from an accredited academy
Application Process
Recruit Resource Center
Use these official sources to research certifications, training programs, licensing, and career outlook as you prepare your application.
Illinois Resources
The official list of Illinois fire service certifications — from Basic Operations Firefighter through Airport Firefighter, Fire Apparatus Engineer, Company Fire Officer, and Fire Service Executive. Shows recruits the full career ladder.
Illinois Office of the State Fire MarshalThe state fire academy at the University of Illinois. Many IFSI programs meet Fire Marshal certification requirements, and some IFSI end-of-course exams count as the state exam.
Illinois Fire Service Institute / University of IllinoisWhere Illinois EMS licenses are issued and renewed. IDPH licenses every level — EMT, Advanced EMT, Paramedic, and Emergency Medical Dispatcher — and much of the process can be completed online.
Illinois Department of Public HealthHow EMS training works in Illinois: courses at colleges, hospitals, community locations, and online; graduates may take the Illinois state exam or the National Registry exam; paramedic candidates seeking National Registry must graduate from an accredited program.
Illinois Department of Public HealthThe closest local starting point — a three-semester certificate that qualifies graduates to sit for the State Fire Marshal's Basic Operations Firefighter exam. Hands-on training at the Grayslake Fire Station; credits carry toward an associate degree.
College of Lake CountyFederal & National Resources
The best source for pay and job outlook: median annual wage of $59,530 (May 2024), approximately 27,100 openings projected each year nationwide, and a description of the 24-hour shift schedule.
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor StatisticsThe federal career profile for EMS: what the job involves, training requirements, pay, and employment outlook.
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor StatisticsThe federal government's introduction to EMS careers. Explains the four levels — Emergency Medical Responder, EMT, Advanced EMT, and Paramedic — and notes that more than one million licensed EMS clinicians serve nationwide.
NHTSA Office of EMS, U.S. Department of TransportationThe national EMS certification organization. Every U.S. state now recognizes National Registry certification as an accepted pathway for EMS clinicians.
National Registry of EMTsOn-campus, off-campus, and online courses from the U.S. Fire Administration. Primarily for career growth and leadership development — shows recruits the long-term path into fire service leadership.
U.S. Fire Administration / FEMAThe industry-standard pre-employment physical test, developed jointly by the firefighters' union and the fire chiefs' association. Start training early — physical preparation is one of the most important steps in your application.
International Association of Fire FightersReady to Apply?
Download the application, complete it, and submit it to the Winthrop Harbor Fire Department. Questions? Stop by the station — we'd love to talk.