North Chicago Fire Department

10/21/2026

A message from Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr.....

Subject: Announcing Our New Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief

Dear North Chicago –

I am pleased to share some wonderful news about the future leadership of our Fire Department. At the November 2nd City Council meeting, Tom Deinken — a 22-year employee of the City of North Chicago and our current Deputy Chief — will be appointed and sworn in as North Chicago’s new Fire Chief. I am equally proud to announce that, during the same meeting, Reid Mammoser, also a dedicated 22-year city employee, will be sworn in as our new Deputy Fire Chief.

These well earned promotions come as a result of the retirement of Fire Chief John Umek. Chief Umek’s dedication, leadership, and service to our city have been deeply valued and greatly appreciated. We will miss him, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for his many years of commitment to keeping our community safe.

Please join me in congratulating Tom and Reid on their new roles and in expressing our sincere gratitude to Chief Umek for his distinguished service.

Warm regards,
Mayor Rockingham

10/20/2026

🏈 PLAYOFF BOUND! 🏈

Congratulations to our very own, the North Chicago Warhawks High School Football Team on an incredible accomplishment — you’ve earned your spot in the playoffs! 👏

All of your hard work, dedication, and determination have brought you to this exciting moment, and our entire community is proud of you. Now it’s time to show them what Warhawk pride is all about!

Good luck in the playoffs! Play hard, play together, and leave it all on the field. We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way!

Community — LET’S PACK THE STANDS! Grab your family, friends, school spirit, and come out to support our team. Let’s make some noise and show our players just how much this community believes in them!

🏈💪 🦅LET’S GO, WARHAWKS! 💪🏈🦅

It’s playoff time! 🏈🔴⚪️

The Warhawks will take on the Geneseo Green Machine in the opening round of the IHSA playoffs!

📅 Saturday, October 24th
⏰ 3:00 PM
📍 Bob Reade Field
700 N. State St., Geneseo, IL 61254

Warhawk Nation, hit the road and come support our boys!

10/15/2026

Celebrating 32 Years of Service — Fire Chief John Umek

After 32 years of unwavering dedication and service to the citizens of North Chicago, the time has come to celebrate the retirement of Fire Chief John Umek.

Chief Umek’s career has been defined by service, commitment, leadership, and an enduring dedication to the people and firefighters he has had the privilege of serving and leading. From his early days as a firefighter/paramedic with the North Chicago Fire Department to his years as Fire Chief, he has given countless hours, responded when others needed, and devoted a significant part of his life to protecting this community.

Thirty-two years is more than a career. It is a lifetime of memories, friendships, challenges, sacrifices, and moments that have shaped both a firefighter and a community. As Chief Umek prepares to take his final walk-out, we invite family, friends, fellow firefighters, city officials, and members of the North Chicago community to join us in honoring his remarkable career and celebrating the legacy he leaves behind. Please join us for Chief Umek’s Retirement Walk-Out:

📅 Monday, November 2, 2026
🕓 4:00 p.m.
📍 North Chicago Fire Department – Station 1
1850 Lewis Avenue, North Chicago

Chief, thank you for 32 years of answering the call, leading with dedication, and serving with heart. Your impact will continue through the people you have led, the lives you have touched, and the department you have helped shape. Congratulations on an incredible career, Chief.

10/08/2026

🚨 DON’T MISS OUR FREE SMOKE DETECTOR BLITZ! 🚨

Have you checked your smoke detectors lately? The North Chicago Fire Department wants to make sure our community is protected! We are offering FREE smoke detectors AND FREE installation to help keep you and your family safe.

📢 PLEASE SHARE THIS POST! A friend, family member, neighbor, or someone in our community may need this service and not know it’s available. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

📞 Call the North Chicago Fire Department at 847-596-8782 to schedule your appointment. Free smoke detectors. Free installation. Peace of mind.

10/07/2026

10/07/2026

As we charge into Fire Prevention Week, the North Chicago Fire Department reminds everyone that fire safety starts with you! Take a few minutes to check your smoke alarms, review your home escape plan, and talk with your family about fire safety. Small steps can make a big difference in preventing fires and saving lives. Stay alert, stay prepared, and stay safe, North Chicago!

10/01/2026

Early detection saves lives! Make it a priority to schedule your annual physicals and mammograms TODAY!

You can also make healthier decisions for yourself by eating well, staying active, and managing your stress. Support one another in this fight. Together we are stronger!! 💪🏽

10/01/2026

YouthBuild Lake County and Great Lakes Credit Union are teaming up to host North Chicago’s Annual Fall Fest! This FREE community event takes place on Thursday, October 29, from 4–6 p.m. at Great Lakes Credit Union, 2527 Green Bay Road.
Bring the whole family for an evening filled with fun, food, and fall festivities!
🎃Trunk-or-Treat
👻Face Painting
🎃Pizza
👻Kids’ & Family Costume Contests
And so much more!
We hope you’ll join us and bring the entire family for this fun-filled community celebration!
A big THANK YOU to YouthBuild Lake County and Great Lakes Credit Union for your continued commitment to supporting and engaging with the North Chicago community!

09/25/2026

Sweet Dreams Pajama & Book Drive!! Please consider donating to this wonderful cause. For those interested in donating, the nearest location to North Chicago is the Lake Bluff Public Library.

State Senator Julie Morrison is hosting a Sweet Dreams Collection Drive to bring a little comfort and joy to children served by CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children).

The drive is collecting new pajamas and new bedtime books for children from newborns through age 12. Many of the children served by CASA are living in foster homes or working toward stability with their biological families. During these challenging times, something as simple as a new pair of pajamas and a bedtime story can provide comfort, a sense of security, and a special moment of joy.

Donations can be dropped off at Senator Morrison’s district office:
400 Lake Cook Rd., Suite 100B, Deerfield
Office Hours for Donations:
• Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Thursdays: 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
• Fridays: 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Additional drop-off locations are also available. Scan the QR code on the flyer for a list of locations.

Thank you, Senator Morrison, for organizing this meaningful collection drive and helping bring comfort and kindness to children in our community.
Every donation can make a difference!