New Lenox Fire District Hires New Chief

The New Lenox Fire Protection District is excited to announce Steve Engledow has been selected as the new fire chief.

Engledow started his career in 1972 as a volunteer with the Frankfort Fire Protection District before being hired as a firefighter/paramedic by Country Club Hills in 1977.

He joined the Joliet Fire Department in 1979 and gained experience in 28 years as a firefighter, paramedic, Lieutenant, EMS coordinator, EMS Chief and Deputy Chief. Engledow was in charge of Fire/Rescue Command for the Route 66 Drag Strip, Chicagoland Speedway and other large events. After his retirement from Joliet in 2007, he became a part-time assistant chief in East Joliet. In 2009 he became the Chief of Troy Fire Department in Shorewood.

As Chief, Engledow reorganized the department staffing structure and created a succession plan. He supervised the construction of a new fire house, purchased modern equipment and scheduled when existing items would be replaced. Engledow put together the department’s first line item budget, hired the first district firefighters, negotiated their first union contract, negotiated Kurtz contracts for the private side, re-organized the standard operating guidelines, re-organized the special teams and improved the training and ISO rating.

Engledow brings 43 years in different capacities and various types of departments. His goal in New Lenox is to build a succession plan for future advancement and to review all aspects of the fire department.

“I still have a passion for the fire service and the communities they serve,” Engledow said. ”I love serving the public and I care deeply about the community and helping them maintain safety. I have gained a wealth of experience and will apply everything I have learned for the benefit of the Village of New Lenox and the New Lenox Fire Protection District. I am extremely excited for this opportunity to serve New Lenox Fire Protection District.”

“The board and I are looking forward to working with Chief Engledow,” said Skip Minger, president of the board of trustees.

Engledow will be sworn in as chief at the next board meeting. Board members are Skip Minger, Joe Levey, Glen Krohn, Thomas Sauter and Thomas Difiori.