Fire Chief

The City of Sycamore is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking fire service leader to provide executive leadership to the Sycamore Fire Department while remaining actively engaged in department operations, employee development, and the community. The Fire Chief leads a department of 30 fire personnel, a Deputy Fire Chief, and a full-time administrative employee operating from two fire stations. The position reports directly to the City Manager and serves as a member of the City's executive leadership team.

We are looking for a leader with significant career fire service and command-level experience who can balance strategic leadership, emergency operations, fiscal management, labor relations, and the development of future leaders.

Residency within the City of Sycamore is preferred. The City values having its Fire Chief live in or near the community and will consider reasonable residency arrangements for the successful candidate.

Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and resume to Raymond Kay with the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association at rkay@illinoisfirechiefs.org. Application deadline: 5:00 p.m. on October 15, 2026.

In addition to the salary listed above, the City of Sycamore offers three weeks of vacation, three weeks of executive time, and nine sick days per year. The City also offers a comprehensive health insurance plan, the opportunity to contribute to a Section 115 trust, and access to 457 deferred compensation plans. A 401(a) retirement plan is available as an alternative to participation in the Downstate Firefighters' Pension Fund.

Requirements: Significant career fire service and command-level experience

Salary: $150,000–$160,000, depending on qualifications and experience

Application Deadline: 2026-10-15