Fire Chief Honored During Village Board Meeting

MOKENA, IL — Outgoing Mokena Fire Protection District Chief Howard Stephens was recognized Monday via a public proclamation by the Mokena Village Board of Trustees for his years of service to the village. Stephens is set to retire Nov. 30.

Stephens began his career with Mokena FPD as a paid-on-call firefighter in 1991, according to Village documents. Stephens was one of the first six full-time firefighters hired by Mokena FPD in 1995 and was later promoted to lieutenant that year.

In November 2020, Stephens was promoted again to assistant fire chief/deputy administrator. He became fire chief in 2012.

Stephens has served on numerous commissions and committees during his tenure, including vice chair of the Will County Emergency Telephone Services Board, as president of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Division 19, as a member of the Illinois Fire Chief’s Association conference committee, as chairperson of the Will County Fire Chief’s Association Labor/Management Committee, and currently serves as vice president of the Mokena Lion’s Club, according to Village documents.

"Chief Stephens leaves a legacy of compassionate leadership, strong organization structures, a culture of advocacy for all stakeholders and outstanding physical resources that will benefit our staff and customers long after his retirement," the proclamation read.

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