Evanston Fire Department Announces the Retirement of Captain Jason Hays
February 2, 2026- The Evanston Fire Department proudly announces the retirement of Captain Jason Hays, marking more than 20 years of dedicated service to the City of Evanston and its residents. Captain Hays’ last day of service will be February 2, 2026.
The Evanston Fire Department hired Captain Hays on October 5, 2005. Throughout his career, he consistently demonstrated professionalism, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to public service. He was promoted to Fire Apparatus Operator in November of 2015 and later to Captain in May of 2020, where he continued to serve with distinction.
As part of the department’s 2015 Strategic Plan, Captain Hays spearheaded the development of the Mobile Integrated Healthcare program, which was rolled out in April of 2019 as the Evanston Community Health Outreach (ECHO) program. ECHO was established as a partnership between the Evanston Fire Department and St. Francis Hospital to provide proactive, community-based healthcare services. While the program was later placed on pause due to funding challenges and hospital organizational restructuring, Captain Hays’ leadership and vision helped advance innovative approaches to community health and fire service delivery.
In addition to his operational and leadership roles, Captain Hays has been an integral member of the Evanston Fire Department Honor Guard, representing the department at ceremonial and memorial events. He also made a lasting impact through public education, teaching CPR to numerous community members.
“Captain Hays’ career reflects the very best of the Evanston Fire Department,” said Fire Chief Paul Polep. “His leadership, service, and commitment to the community have left a lasting impact, and we are grateful for his dedication.”
The Department extends its sincere gratitude to Captain Jason Hays for his years of service and congratulates him on a well-earned retirement.
Holiday Coat Drive
Evanston Firefighters celebrated on December 20th by hosting our 3rd annual Winter Coat Event. For this event, we purchase and provide new winter coats for the children of our community who are in need of one! Thank you to all who came out to make this event a success. We hope you enjoy your coats and stay warm!
Salvation Army
Evanston Firefighters Local #742 recently donated 15 gift cards to the Salvation Army to be distributed to local teens in need this holiday. Here is Lt. Donna of the Salvation Army graciously accepting the gift cards.
Evanston Fire Department Announces Promotion of Matthew Smith to Deputy Chief
EVANSTON, IL - The Evanston Fire Department (EFD) is proud to announce the promotion of Matthew Smith from Division Chief to the rank of Deputy Chief, effective Monday, December 15, 2025.
Deputy Chief Smith has served the Evanston Fire Department since February of 2006, building a distinguished career marked by leadership, professionalism, and a strong commitment to both the department and the community. Over the course of his service, he has held several key roles, including Local 742 Union President, Captain, and most recently Division Chief of Professional Development and Special Operations, a position he has held since May 2019.
As Division Chief, Smith was a driving force behind several significant initiatives, including the continued development and oversight of EFD lakefront operations and the successful implementation of a centrally located squad staffed with specially-trained personnel to enhance operational readiness.
“Deputy Chief Smith has consistently demonstrated thoughtful leadership, operational insight, and a deep understanding of this organization,” said Fire Chief Paul Polep. “His experience and dedication will be invaluable as the Evanston Fire Department continues to evolve.”
The Evanston Fire Department looks forward to Deputy Chief Smith’s continued leadership and commitment to the department, its members, and the Evanston community.
Craig and Stiles Ceremony
On December 13, 1905, Evanston Firefighters William Craig and George Stiles made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting the Clayton Mark Foundry Fire. Firefighters Craig and Stiles became trapped after an explosion caused a wall to collapse on them while they were inside the structure.
Today marks the 120th anniversary of this tragedy. This morning Local 742 and friends of the Evanston Fire Department, along with George Stiles’ great grandchildren, gathered at 1900 Dempster at the site of the fire to honor these great men who died in the line of duty. We will never forget their sacrifice.
Thanksgiving Family Focus
Evanston Firefighters Local #742 for over 20 years has provided Family Focus with Thanksgiving meals for a dozen Evanston families. Here are just a few of the cards they gave us expressing their gratitude! Thanks also to the folks at Aldi on Oakton for making sure our families had turkeys and all the fixin's for this year's feast!
End of Season for Water Rescue Teams
Local 742 completed another successful water rescue season on Lake Michigan. To keep beachgoers and swimmers in Evanston safe, Local 742 operates a number of Marine Vessels and trains as Water Rescue Swimmers. Our rescue boat (“Marine 21”) is fully staffed on weekends and holidays and our members also train and oversee the Evanston Lifeguards. We respond to a number of emergencies, including distressed swimmers, capsized sailboats, and missing boaters. We often work with neighboring communities to assist them in marine emergencies off their c oastlines. While winter can bring different challenges on Lake Michigan, which we are equally prepared for, our water rescue operations for the 2025 season are complete, and we look forward to launching our boats next spring!
Evanston Local 742 Firefighters are proud to serve the citizens of Evanston 24/7/365
Shield 23 Video from WGN
Click HERE for the video.
Smoke Alarm Law Began Jan. 1, 2023
Evanston Fire Fighters Support MDA
Never Forget 9/11
Thank you for visiting EFD Local 742!
