Chief’s Bio – 2021
Justin M. Stried
I have been a lifelong Zion/Winthrop Harbor area resident, and am a proud Zee-Bee! I attended Winthrop Harbor grade schools and graduated from Zion-Benton Township High School in 1996. At that point I knew I wanted to follow my father’s footsteps and plan for a career in the fire/EMS service. I was fortunate to join the Winthrop Harbor Fire Department shortly after high school graduation, and was able to quickly work toward EMT, paramedic and firefighter certifications. In August of 1999, I received a call from Zion Fire Chief David McAdams offering me a position, and I accepted as fast as possible! I also soon realized the value of higher education and have highlighted some of my proudest accomplishments below. It has been an honor to serve the residents and visitors of Zion, as well as work alongside some of the best firefighter/paramedics I’ve ever known. I was also very fortunate and privileged to have been able to serve as part-time fire chief in Winthrop Harbor for seven years, which greatly helped my understanding of fire service leadership and maintaining positive relations with the department members, public and elected officials. On behalf of all Zion Fire & Rescue staff members, thank you for taking a few minutes to visit our website; we hope you find it informational, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to any one of us if we can be of any further assistance!
Education:
Executive Fire Officer, 2019
National Fire Academy, Emmitsburg Maryland
Chief Fire Officer, 2013
Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal
Bachelor of Fire Science Management, 2005
Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
Associate of Fire Science Technology, 2000
College of Lake County, Grayslake Illinois