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 80 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 now three more 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.
Fire Chief
Doug Slazes
Fire Chief Doug Slazes became Chief on May 1, 2017. He has been with LVFPD since January 5, 1993 as a Paid on Premise Firefighter/Paramedic and later as a Lieutenant and Shift Commander. He was previously a full-time Lieutenant with 15 years of service with Grayslake Fire Department.
Deputy Chief
Adam Becker
Deputy Chief Adam Becker became Deputy Chief on January 2, 2019 . DC Becker has been with LVFPD since 2001 as a Paid on Premise Firefighter/Paramedic and later as a Shift Commander. He came to us from his full-time position at the Skokie Fire Department, where he served for over 15 years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant.
Trustees
President
Trustee James “Jim” Stout has been a board member since May 2008. He is currently the President of the Board.
Treasurer
Trustee Ingrid Skidmore has been a board member since May 2019. She is currently the Treasurer of the Board.
Secretary
Trustee Howard Schnitzer has been a board member since January 2023. He is currently the Secretary of the Board.
Administration
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests
The Lake Villa Fire Protection District requires all requests to inspect or copy public records to be submitted to us in writing. We encourage requests to be submitted on the form provided via the link located on this page, or in the District Office. The Lake Villa Fire Protection District FOIA Officer will review all written requests in any form.
The FOIA Officer will respond to each written request to inspect, copy or both in a manner consistent with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Requests made for all commercial purposes will be responded to within 21 business days upon receipt. All other requests will be responded to within 5 business days from the day after the request is received.