Jeff Howell began his employment with the City of Lake Forest as a Firefighter/Paramedic in 1990 and moved through the ranks as a Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief, and now Fire Chief.

He holds a Master’s degree in Fire and Emergency Management Administration, from Oklahoma State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science Management, from Southern Illinois University. He also holds the Chief Fire Officer designation which he obtained through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

He served on the Lake County Fire Chiefs Association, and is currently serving on the Lake & McHenry County Specialized Response Team Executive Board. He is an active member of industry organizations, and a part-time faculty member of Fire Science Technology at the College of Lake County, Illinois. Chief Howell and his wife Lynda of 25 years, have raised three children, Jacob, Bailey, and Addison.