City of North Chicago Honors Fire Chief John Umek Upon Retirement After 32 Years of Service

The City of North Chicago is preparing to bid a fond farewell to our Fire Chief John Umek on November 2, 2026. Mayor Rockingham, Jr. and the City Council cordially invite the community to Chief Umek’s walk out ceremony.

Join Us in Honoring Fire Chief John Umek

The City of North Chicago invites the community to join us for a Walk-Out Ceremony honoring retiring Fire Chief John Umek on November 2 at 4:00 p.m., North Chicago Fire Department – Station 1-1850 Lewis Avenue.

A walk-out ceremony is a time-honored fire service tradition that recognizes a firefighter or fire chief for their years of service and dedication. As Chief Umek concludes his service, firefighters and colleagues will gather to honor his leadership, commitment, and contributions to the City of North Chicago and its residents.

Please join us as we celebrate Chief Umek’s career, thank him for his service, and wish him well in his retirement. Community members are welcome and encouraged to attend this special occasion!

In his farewell message to Mayor Rockingham and the City Council, Chief Umek wrote, “As I reflect on this milestone, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude, pride, and appreciation. Having been born and raised in North Chicago, it has been one of the greatest honors of my life to dedicate my career to serving the community I have always called home.”

“For more than three decades, I have had the privilege of serving the residents of North Chicago, growing alongside this department, and ultimately being entrusted with the responsibility of serving as Fire Chief. To protect and serve the very community that helped shape me into the person I am today has been a blessing I will forever cherish.”

“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to the City of North Chicago, its residents, its elected officials, its administration, my fellow department heads, and every member of the North Chicago Fire Department for allowing me the extraordinary privilege of serving my hometown for the past 32 years. Your support, trust, and partnership have meant more to me than words can adequately express. I began this journey as a young man from North Chicago who wanted to serve his community. I now conclude it with the profound satisfaction of knowing that I have spent my career doing exactly that. There is no greater honor than serving the place that helped make you who you are.”