JT Terry named Village of Oak Park Fire Chief
Published on June 10, 2025
Village Manager Kevin J. Jackson has named Joseph “JT” Terry, a highly experienced first responder with a passion for promoting health, safety and security, as Oak Park’s new Fire Chief. Terry will assume the role on Monday, June 16; he will be officially sworn in during a ceremony at Fire Station 1 (100 N. Euclid Ave.) on Monday, June 23 at 8:30 a.m.
Terry has served the Village of Oak Park in various leadership roles since joining the department in 2007. Most recently he served as Deputy Fire Chief of EMS Operations and Infectious Disease. In that role, he has led initiatives to reduce injuries, streamline medical equipment procurement and improve emergency response for high-risk populations. Terry also helped secure nearly $760,000 in grants and reimbursement funds to modernize wellness equipment and offset pandemic-related costs.
“JT Terry has earned the trust of our community and the respect of colleagues across departments through his dedication, innovative thinking and collaborative leadership,” said Jackson. “He brings not only the technical expertise that is essential in this role, but also a deep understanding of Oak Park’s values and aspirations along with an orientation toward innovation and service excellence. JT has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead with compassion, build strong partnerships and respond effectively under pressure. I am confident that under his leadership, our Fire Department will continue to set the standard for excellence, while also evolving to meet the changing needs of our community.”
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as Fire Chief and continue representing all the dedicated members of the Village of Oak Park Fire,” said Terry. “It is an honor to lead such a committed and professional team. Together we will continue to provide the highest level of services to the residents and visitors of our community that they have come to expect and deserve.”
Terry’s leadership within the Village was essential during Oak Park’s COVID-19 response, when he served as Interim Director of Public Health for a span of nearly six months, as well as EOC Operations Section Chief during the pandemic response. Terry oversaw mass vaccination operations and supporting some of Oak Park’s most vulnerable residents. He previously served as the Village’s Infection Control Officer and established a summer internship program to build pathways into the fire service for youth.
As Fire Chief, Terry will oversee a department with nearly 70 sworn personnel operating out of three fire stations. OPFD delivers advanced life support EMS, fire suppression, prevention, public education and emergency preparedness services. In 2024, the department responded to 8,925 total calls for service, an average of more than 24 per day.
Terry holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis and Master of Science in Threat and Response Management from the University of Chicago. He is currently enrolled in the prestigious Executive Fire Officer program at the National Fire Academy with graduation anticipated in 2027.
Terry is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Illinois Fire Chief Association and the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association of Illinois. He is also credentialed as a Chief Fire Officer, Chief EMS Officer, and Illinois Professional Emergency Manager.
Since 2023, Terry has sat on the Board of Directors for the National Alliance for Mental Health (NAMI) Metro Suburban (Chicago. Last year he was named to the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Stroke Advisory Subcommittee. He has also been active as a local youth baseball and softball coach.
Terry fills the vacancy left by recently-retired Chief Ron Kobyleski. Kobyleski completed his tenure with the Village in early May following 40 years of service to Oak Park. He had led OPFD as its Chief since November 2021.
For more information about the Oak Park Fire Department, visit www.oak-park.us/fire.
About Oak Park - The Village of Oak Park, located just nine miles west of downtown Chicago, offers a distinctive urban/suburban lifestyle in a thriving, multi-cultural community. Well-known for progressive values, tree-lined streets and bustling business districts, Oak Park serves as an ideal place to live, work and play. As a longstanding community of choice, the Village benefits from convenient access to local and regional transit, high-quality public schools, and arts and cultural attractions, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio and his acclaimed Unity Temple, which was recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.