Fire Chief

About the Position

Located in the heart of Kenosha County, the Village of Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue Department was established in 2017 through the consolidation of several historic communities: Salem, Silver Lake, Trevor, Wilmot, and Camp Lake. The Village (population 16,000) blends small-town charm with a strong sense of community and access to abundant natural resources.

The Village seeks a seasoned and visionary leader with extensive experience in fire and EMS operations, a strong command presence, and deep commitment to public service. This individual will bring both technical expertise and the interpersonal skills needed to lead a combination department with integrity, fairness, and accountability. Primary responsibilities include the administrative functions of planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating Department operations and personnel.

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Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue

The Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue Department (SLFRD) demonstrates strong operational readiness and commitment to community service. In 2024, the department responded to a total of 1,835 calls, with 70% being EMS-related, followed by fire calls (9%), non-fire emergencies (17%), and other mutual aid/out-of-district responses (4%). Call distribution included Salem Lakes (1,157), Paddock Lake (433), and Brighton (75).

The department is staffed by three command officers, 15 full-time firefighter/paramedics and EMTs, and 35 part-time personnel working on a three-shift rotation (24 hours on, 48 hours off). Firefighters operate from three stations located in Trevor, Salem Lakes, and Silver Lake, which house a fleet of pumpers, ambulances, rescue vehicles, and watercraft.

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About the Community

Salem Lakes is known for its pristine lakes, scenic landscapes, and year-round outdoor recreation. The Village boasts more than a dozen lakes—offering boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming—as well as access to hiking, biking, and snowmobiling trails. Nearby attractions and events include the Fox River, Wilmot Raceway, Kenosha County Veterans Memorial Park, Kenosha County Fair, and Wilmot Mountain, a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.

Residents enjoy a safe community with a variety of housing options, from historic lakefront cottages to new subdivisions and rural properties. The Salem School District and Wilmot Union High School serve the area with strong academic programs and a commitment to student success.

With its convenient location between Milwaukee and Chicago and a short drive to Pleasant Prairie and downtown Kenosha, Salem Lakes offers peaceful living with easy access to urban amenities. The local economy is supported by tourism, local businesses, agriculture, and outdoor recreation.

Learn more at voslwi.gov.

The Ideal Candidate

As a culture builder, the Fire Chief will cultivate a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented environment that prioritizes continuous learning, professional development, and mutual respect. They will model calm, decisive leadership in emergency situations, while also serving as a visible, approachable figure within the organization and the broader community. The ideal candidate will value collaboration—both internally and through regional partnerships—and possess the communication and administrative capabilities necessary to lead change, manage complex operations, and engage constructively with elected officials, staff, and residents.

Starting Range: $115,000-$135,000 (DOQ)

Excellent benefits package includes:

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Innovative Public Advisors (IPA) is conducting the executive recruitment process for this position.

Applications are now being accepted until the position is filled, with a first review no later than September 12, 2025.

Please upload or email your cover letter, resume, salary history, and professional references to Jay Shambeau at jay@public-advisors.com.

Please direct questions to Jay at 262-355-6102.

Thank you for your interest!