HISTORY

Celebrating the past . . . moving forward into the future.

​

In 1931 a group of civic minded men, bravely began to meet the growing need to help protect the Lake Villa community from fires that threatened to destroy businesses and homes of their neighbors. Before this, neighboring fire departments answered calls in the village, but it quickly became apparent that more immediate assistance was needed to save buildings or even put the fires out before getting out of control rather than waiting for the surrounding fire departments to arrive.

​

A dance was hosted in July of 1931 to begin raising funds for the first fire truck which was finally purchased for $5,300.00 in June of 1933. That same year, Fred Hamlin was named as the first fire chief for the Lake Villa Fire Volunteer Department, thus establishing a rich history of dedicated volunteers who served the community. By 1940 the township was able to build the first fire station which still stands in the historical downtown area at 68 East Grand Avenue. The Lake Villa Fire Protection District was officially incorporated in 1936.

​

Today the Lake Villa Fire Protection District celebrates over 90 years of dedicated men and women who continue to protect and care for the people, schools and businesses in the Village of Lake Villa, the Village of Lindenhurst and the Lake Villa Township. There are presently three fire stations staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The District employs full-time career membership consisting of a: Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, Battalion Chiefs, Lieutenants and Firefighter/Paramedics. At a moment’s notice these dedicated men and women are ready for the call to duty helping to maintain a safer community in Lake Villa and neighboring communities.