Community Corner
Illinois Fire Chief: Always Here For 'The People And The Calls'
"Being able to see a young child's face glow with a smile … to me, that's what it is about," says Chief John Petrakis.
First responders are a vital part of our communities, keeping us safe and playing an integral role in daily life. Patch and T-Mobile have partnered on a Ride-Along series to showcase the important work these departments and individuals do every day.
We had the opportunity to speak with John Petrakis of the Channahon Fire Protection District to learn more about the department, life as a fire chief and the impact of their work.
Can you tell us about the Channahon Fire Protection District?
Chief Petrakis: The Channahon Fire Protection District is a small career fire protection district located in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. The district consists of a Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Executive Fire Support Manager and 21 career firefighter/paramedics. Also serving the Fire District is a Fire Prevention Officer, Public Education Coordinator, part-time Community Support Services Coordinator and part-time Information Technology Manager. The District is governed by five Board of Trustees.
Other support staff include the Training Officer (assigned to a Fire Captain) and EMS Administrator (assigned to Fire Lieutenant). The District has two manned firehouses that house three Advanced Life Support ambulances, two Advanced Life Support engines and numerous other pieces of emergency response apparatus. The call volume consists of emergency medical, fire, mutual aid, hazardous materials and emergency water rescue calls. Technically trained staff participate in and represent the District with the MABAS Division 15 technical rescue and water rescue teams.
The district includes residential (primarily single-family) properties, commercial and retail structures, one senior apartment complex, petrochemical operations and storage, manufacturing facilities and a growing number of large warehousing and distribution centers. The District protects 13 miles of Interstate 55, 7 nautical miles of the Des Plaines, 5.5 nautical miles of the DuPage Rivers and other bodies of water. Other facilities include school buildings, governmental administration and program buildings, recreational parks, preserves and trails, rail lines and pipeline facilities.
[Our] total call volume for calendar years 2022, 2023 and 2024 totaled 1,728, 1,672 and 1,972, respectively.
What does a typical day look like for a firefighter in Channahon?
Chief Petrakis: Honestly, there is nothing typical about a day at the firehouse. There are tasks which need to be completed as they are crucial to our readiness. Some of those activities include shift roll call, vehicle pre-trip inspections, weekly apparatus inspections and fire and paramedic training. Those are the important activities which prepare each station for their primary mission: Be ready when the bells ring!
In addition, firefighters allocate time to grocery shop for meals, cook and eat together like family. Physical fitness is critical in our profession, as firefighters participate in physical fitness regimes together. But if the day is filled with responding to calls, that’s what we do. You may not get the kitchen cleaned up, training completed or eat the meal you had intentions to prep and cook. The people and the calls, that’s who we are here for.
Can you tell us a bit about your career in firefighting and what inspired you to pursue this line of work?
Chief Petrakis: I began as a volunteer EMT in 1996 as I was attending Illinois State University in Normal (IL). I attended ISU to pursue a degree in secondary education. The passion to become a firefighter far outweighed being a teacher. I left ISU and began following my desired career path. I worked as a part-time firefighter/EMT with the Algonquin-Lake In The Hills Fire Protection District and finally was hired as a career firefighter/paramedic with the Hanover Park Fire Department in 1999.
In 2004, my career took a very unorthodox turn when I applied to be the Deputy Chief of Training and Operations for the Princeton Fire Department. I was 28 years old at the time. While some of my peers were taking eligibility examinations or maybe considering preparing for their first lieutenant promotional examination, I took a huge step into the realm of the fire service that launched me outside of my comfort zone. I have spent the last 22 years as a Chief Fire Officer. Not a typical professional development path, but again, there is nothing typical in what we do.
I have learned a lot about myself (good and bad), people (good and bad), managing serious incidents, critical thinking and decision making, problem-solving, leadership, management, relationships, managing conflict and many other opportunities that have helped shape my career.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Channahon community?
Chief Petrakis: Meeting people and getting to talk and interact with all sorts of people and age groups. My favorite people are kids. Being able to see a young child’s face glow with a smile when you stop and chat at a grocery store, community event or when you are picking up food, to me, that’s what it is about.
I remember visiting the Hoffman Estates Fire Department when I was 5 years old. Those firefighters provided that same experience for me. They let me climb all over every fire engine, fire truck [and] ambulance, and [I] even got to wear a REAL fire helmet. Being able to pay that forward in my role, I hope these kids remember that experience. Whether it grabs their interest in becoming a firefighter or is the highlight of their week, it is about the experience. They will remember that moment forever.
Can you share a memorable experience from your time with the department?
Chief Petrakis: I have so many memorable moments. Some of those moments have been triumphant and others have been somber and humbling. You embrace the good moments. Those are the ones that you reflect upon and remind you why you do what you do and for what purpose.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a firefighter?
Chief Petrakis: Do your homework! If you are interested in pursuing a career in emergency services, start with your hometown’s fire department. Speak with their training officer, who will likely be the most knowledgeable and have the best information to get you pointed in the right direction. If you are a high school student, enroll in your high school’s fire science/EMS vocational program. It is a phenomenal opportunity to participate in formal career exploration. If your school does not have a program, seek out cadet/recruit programs that are administered by your local or neighboring fire departments. When in doubt, call and ask!
Stay focused [and] disciplined, and be the person you would want to hire in a fire department. Stay out of trouble when you are young and be representative of a person who upholds strong values and ethics. Poor choices will come back and haunt [you] during background checks and processing. Prepare a solid resume that markets your abilities and promotes the opportunity to be a desirable candidate. Learn how to conduct yourself during an interview. Find opportunities that you can participate within and gain well-rounded experiences towards becoming a firefighter.
More About the Channahon Fire Protection District
The Channahon Fire Protection District offers several community classes and resources, including:
- Safe Sitter babysitting courses — A comprehensive infant and child safety program for adolescents ages 11-15 interested in babysitting.
- American Heart Association courses — First aid and CPR courses for laypersons and health care providers. (CPR courses are currently held at the Minooka Fire Protection District.)
- Kids’ resources — Fire prevention games and tips for children.
For more information, visit the Channahon Fire Protection District website.
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