Public Safety Department

The Public Safety Department was established in 1954 when the Village combined the Police and Fire Departments into one single, cross-trained department. Today, our officers are cross-trained as certified police officers, firefighters and medical first responders. This level of efficiency allows the Village to provide a high level of emergency services to the community at a reduced cost when compared to municipalities utilizing traditional, separate police, fire and emergency medical components. The Public Safety Department includes the Police Service Division, Fire Service Division and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Division. 

Police Service Division
The Police Service Division provides law enforcement services to the community by providing protection, safety and security for persons and property through the enforcement of federal, state and local criminal and traffic laws. Areas of service in include uniformed patrol and traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, youth services, parking control and enforcement and specialized inter-jurisdictional task force assignments. Additionally, the division provides proactive public education programs. 

Fire Service Division
The Fire Service Division responds to, attacks, confines and extinguishes fires, responds to hazardous material situations, provides dive/boat rescue and recovery, vehicle extraction, fire/arson investigation services and more. Additionally, the division utilizes fire inspection, prevention and education programs in order to reduce the incidence of fire within the community.

EMS Division
The EMS Division provides Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) emergency medical services. Paramedics are tasked with stabilizing the condition of sick or injured persons, ensuring safe transport to medical facilities and minimizing the effects of trauma or illness. The EMS Division also provides public education programs in an effort to increase first-aid awareness throughout the Village.

Meet the Public Safety Director

Cary Lewandowski joined the Public Safety Department in September 2013 after 27 years of service with the Village of Lincolnwood Police Department, where he retired as Deputy Chief. Cary earned a Bachelor of Arts from Northeastern Illinois University and a Master of Arts from Governor’s State University. Additionally, he has received specialized management training from Northwestern University Center for Public Safety, the Police Executive Research Forum and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.