Chief's Message

An All Hazards Response Department - A Message from Chief John Ripka

The Winnetka Fire Department has a long and proud history of serving the community by providing an extraordinary level of customer service by a highly trained group of firefighters/paramedics. This dedication to community service is a core department principle that will continue as we move into the future.

Our community not only includes the residents of Winnetka, but we have also provided the same level of service to the citizens of Kenilworth for more than 70 years. In addition to Kenilworth, our response districts are inclusive of the unincorporated areas of Cook County including Woodley Road and Indian Hill.

Because of our commitment to providing the community the highest level of service possible, we have become more than just a “Fire Department". We have evolved in to an “All-Hazard” department that will respond to and assist in solving just about any problem that may arise. Whether it is a call for smoke, fire, medical services, an activated carbon monoxide detector, an arcing outlet, water dripping from the ceiling, or someone slipping off a chair and needing help to get back up, we provide all these services, and many more, any hour of the day, 7 days a week.

The Winnetka Fire Department constantly trains to make sure we are ready for just about anything. Our firefighter/paramedic training includes structural firefighting, water/ice rescue, technical rescue, hazardous materials, fire prevention, fire investigation and vehicle extrication to name a few. Our company officers are also trained in command and control operations, which we refer to as Incident Command. Finally, all of our shift personnel are licensed Paramedics. This intense medical training covers almost any type of medical or traumatic emergency, including pediatrics.

I am proud to be a part of this great department. I am very impressed with the compassion and loyalty of the department members, and I am fortunate to witness their dedication to the community every day. On behalf of the Winnetka Fire Department, I thank you for your continued support and if you ever have a question or concern about your fire department, please do not hesitate to contact me on my direct line at 847-716-3303.

Sincerely,
John Ripka, Fire Chief