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The Chief and his administrative staff are located at the Fire House.

3445 West 211th Street
 Matteson, IL 60443

Phone: (708) 748-5129
Fax: (708) 283-6606

nwilkens@vil.matteson.il.us

Chief Edwin D. “Nick” Wilkens began his career with the Matteson Fire Department as a volunteer in 1968, where he moved through the ranks to become Captain.  He was one of the original six full-time firefighters in 1977.

A Certified Paramedic, Chief Wilkens has also attained certifications as Firefighter III, Training Officer IV and Fire Officer III.  He received an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science at Prairie State College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Science Management from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and a Masters of Science Degree in Public Safety Administration through Lewis University.  He has also earned Chief Fire Officer Designation where he joins less than 500 other Chief Fire Officers internationally.

During Chief Wilkens’ career he has moved through the ranks from Firefighter/Paramedic to Shift Lieutenant and was appointed Deputy Chief in 1986.  He has seen the Department grow from one station with 35 volunteers to a majority full-time department of 35 and 10 Paid-on-Call firefighters.  Currently, the Department operates out of two stations; Headquarters at 3445 W. 211th St. and Station 2 at 1015 Central Avenue.  There are a minimum of eight Firefighter/Paramedics on duty every day, an Administrative Assistant and the Fire Prevention Bureau which includes a sworn Lieutenant, a full-time civilian Inspector and a Secretary.  When Chief Wilkens began his full-time career, the Department responded to 363 alarms annually, which is now the number of calls in one  month, resulting in over 4,000 calls for assistance each year.

The Matteson Fire Department’s progress is ongoing and it has met every new challenge with success.  The Department offers full service Fire, Rescue, Ambulance, Fire Prevention and Special Operations.  The Special Operations include Hazardous Materials, Technical Rescue, Dive and Water Operations and Public Fire Education for the citizens of the community.  With the continued growth of the Village of Matteson , a third station is in the early planning stages. 

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