Personnel

Fire Chief

The Edwardsville fire chief is the lead administrator of the Fire Department. The chief provides direction and coordination of department activities while managing the work force. The fire chief routinely reports discussion items to the Public Services Committee to keep aldermen abreast of major events and issues in the department. The fire chief also serves as the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City. The fire chief is appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council and reports directly to the city administrator. The fire chief develops the budget and sees it through the approval process with the city administrator, City Council and mayor. 

Deputy Chief

The department's deputy chief acts as second in command and assumes all responsibilities of the fire chief in the chief's absence. The deputy chief position was created in 2016 and filled in 2017 in response to the increased administrative workload in the department. The position delineates a clear chain of command within the rank structure between the fire chief and shift captains.

The deputy chief assists with budget preparation and oversight. The deputy chief oversees training and safety, and directly supervises and monitors the progress of probationary firefighters. The deputy fire chief is appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council.

Shift Captain

The Edwardsville Fire Department is divided into three shifts, designated as A, B and C. Each of the Edwardsville captains fills the role of shift commander and directly supervises the shift to which that captain is assigned. The captains oversee scheduling of personnel and daily events, and respond to all significant fire and EMS calls. Captains also ensure that all reports are properly completed and filed daily. The shift captain assumes initial command of emergency incidents. 

Additionally, each captain is given at least one area of administrative responsibility such as the following:

  • EMS
  • Fire prevention
  • Inspections
  • Plan review
  • Public education
  • Training
  • Volunteer organization

Captains are promoted based upon a competitive testing process overseen by the Edwardsville Board of Fire and Police Commissioners.

Lieutenant

Within the Edwardsville Fire Department, the primary role of the lieutenants is to supervise the satellite stations and fill the role of shift commander in the absence of the captain. Each lieutenant is also given at least one administrative task to directly oversee (information technology, quality assurance of reports, school inspections, shift training, etc.). They assume command of incidents prior to the arrival of other officers. 

Lieutenants are promoted based upon a competitive testing process overseen by the Edwardsville Board of Fire and Police Commissioners.

Firefighter / Paramedic

Edwardsville firefighter/paramedics are the backbone of the department. They comprise three shifts which combine to fill a 24/7 schedule, providing fire, rescue and emergency medical services to people in the Edwardsville area. Firefighter/paramedics must hold a minimum certification of Basic Operations Firefighter by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Many have obtained other specialized certifications, such as:

  • Confined space
  • Fire officer
  • Ropes
  • Technical rescue
  • Trench
  • Vehicle
  • Water

In addition to daily emergency response, firefighters are committed to training; vehicle, equipment and station maintenance; fire pre-planning and inspections; and other special projects as assigned by administration. Firefighter/paramedics must remain physically and psychologically fit to mitigate the worst of situations in an efficient and professional manner using the resources available at hand.

Firefighter/paramedics are hired through a competitive testing process overseen by the Edwardsville Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. This includes:

  • Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
  • Full background check
  • Oral interviews
  • Physical / psychological exams
  • Polygraph test
  • Written examination

Administrative Assistant

Edwardsville Fire Department has one administrative assistant who handles the day-to-day business functions of the department. In short, the administrative assistant is the hub of the department. The administrative assistant is responsible for written and verbal correspondence, both within the City and to the general public; manages the department calendar; provides support to both the administrative and operations staff; reviews medical reports prior to billing; and maintains strict confidentiality of medical and personnel records. While not a “sworn” officer, the administrative assistant is critical to the success of the Edwardsville Fire Department.

Personnel Roster

See our personnel roster with staff names, ranks, and entry information.