Evanston Fire Department Promotes 4 Members To Leadership, Operator Roles

The Evanston Fire Department said the four promotions reflect experience, service and public safety work.

By Rachel Barnes, Patch Staff

May 1, 2026 11:05 am CDT

The four members together represent more than 74 years of combined service to the Evanston Fire Department, according to the announcement. (Evanston Fire Department)

EVANSTON, IL — The Evanston Fire Department has promoted four members, recognizing what the department described as their direction, experience and service to the community.

James Trippi was promoted to captain and William Lynch was promoted to fire apparatus operator on Feb. 23, 2026. Effective May 4, 2026, Jeffrey Gonzalez will be promoted to captain and Niels Olsen to fire apparatus officer.

According to the department, Trippi and Gonzalez will take on expanded leadership duties in their new roles. The department said the two captains will oversee emergency incidents, make critical operational decisions under pressure, and manage station administration and personnel. The announcement states that both have shown leadership and commitment to their crews and to Evanston residents.

Lynch and Olsen will serve in positions centered on apparatus operations and readiness, according to the department. The department said the two bring technical expertise to the jobs and will be responsible for the safe operation and deployment of fire apparatus. Their duties also include ongoing training and maintenance aimed at helping the department continue operating at what the announcement described as a high standard.

The four members together represent more than 74 years of combined service to the Evanston Fire Department, according to the announcement. The department tied the promotions to what it described as a deep dedication to public safety and professional excellence.

In announcing the promotions, the department wrote, "The Evanston Fire Department (EFD) is pleased to announce the promotion of four of its members in recognition of their direction, experience, and service to the community."

The department also wrote, "Please join us in congratulating Captains Trippi and Gonzalez, and Fire Apparatus Operator's Lynch and Olsen on their well-deserved achievements."

The promotions cover both command and operational roles inside the department. Based on the announcement, two took effect in February, while two more are scheduled to take effect May 4. The department did not provide additional details about any ceremony or related events in the announcement.