Paul Kinsella Appointed Frankfort Fire Protection District Chief

FRANKFORT, IL — The Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees has announced the official appointment of Paul G. Kinsella as Fire Chief.

Chief Kinsella began his career with the Frankfort Fire Protection District as a part-time member in 2003 and transitioned to a full-time position in 2005, according to a news release from the district. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2009, Training Coordinator in 2015, Assistant Chief in
2017, and Deputy Chief in 2021. He served as Interim Fire Chief from March 2025 until his permanent appointment on Jan. 1.

Chief Kinsella also served as President of Frankfort IAFF Local 4338 from 2006 to 2014, during which time he negotiated contracts, represented members, and strengthened labor-management
collaboration, the news release states.

Before his service with FFPD, he began his career with the Manhattan Fire Protection District as a cadet in 1995, became a Firefighter in 1997, and a Paramedic in 2000, serving as a volunteer/part-time Firefighter/Paramedic until 2005.

Chief Kinsella has also previously served as Track Services Coordinator at Chicagoland Speedway, working with NASCAR, directing over 120 safety team members, managing a multimillion-dollar budget, and overseeing large- scale emergency response for special events. Kinsella holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration Management from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Technology from Joliet Junior College, and numerous certifications from the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office, the District shared.

Raised south of Manhattan in Wilton Township, he graduated from Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox. Chief Kinsella and his wife, Jackie, have two teenage daughters, Madison and Hayden.

The Frankfort Fire District invites everyone to join for a badge pinning ceremony for Chief Kinsella and other promotions and awards on Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. at Frankfort Fire Station 73, 24420 S. LaGrange Road.