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Oak Park names Kobyleski new Fire Chief

Nov. 22, 2021 – Oak Park Fire Department veteran Ronald Kobyleski has been named the new Fire Chief, Interim Village Manager Lisa Shelley announced today.

“Oak Park is indeed fortunate to have an individual of Ron’s training, expertise and experience to assume this critical role for the Village,” Shelley said. “Being able to promote from within brings a continuity and consistency to the Department’s operations that will be of benefit to the citizens who rely on the Fire Department in what often are times of dire need.”

Kobyleski, who assumed the Chief’s role Friday (Nov. 19), had rotated Interim Fire Chief duties since April 2021 with Battalion Chief Kevin Fadden following the retirement of Chief Tom Ebsen, who served with the department for more than 40 years.

Fadden, a veteran of the Oak Park Fire Department since 1998, is expected to continue in the role of Interim Deputy Fire Chief until the position is filled permanently.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead the organization I have been a proud member since my career in firefighting and emergency medical service began nearly four decades ago,” Kobyleski said. “My fellow firefighter/paramedics and I share a commitment and dedication to the critical role we play in the community. I always have tried to lead by example and that is the attitude I will bring to my role.”

Kobyleski said he considers himself fortunate to have the support of Deputy Chief of Emergency Medical Services Joseph Terry and Interim Deputy Fire Chief Fadden, who he said will continue to play critical leadership roles as the organization responds to the more than 7,000 calls for fire and emergency medical services fielded in a typical year.

A veteran of the Oak Park Fire Department since 1985, Chief Kobyleski has held every rank available in the Oak Park Fire Department, including one year as Deputy Chief, 10 years as a Battalion Chief and seven years as the department’s Training Officer.

He has been a certified Fire Investigator, Hazardous-Materials Technician, Technical Rescue in building collapse, high rise rescue, trench rescue and confined space rescue. He also was the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Division 11 Hazardous Materials and Technical Rescue Team leader for nine years.

Kobyleski is certified by the state Fire Marshal as Advance Fire Officer and Training Program Manager, and has studied architectural design and building construction.

His notable professional activities and affiliations include the International Fire Chief’s Association, Illinois Fire Chiefs Association and National Fire Protection Association.

More information about the Fire Department is posted on the Village website at www.oak-park.us/fire.

Photo of new Oak Park Fire Chief Ron Kobyleski
Ron Kobyleski