William Kubala
Rockford
Summary
Executive-level fire service leader with extensive experience in department administration, operational command, training development, and regulatory compliance. Expertise in leading personnel and managing critical incidents while ensuring adherence to state and federal standards. Skilled in fostering collaboration with municipal partners to enhance readiness and operational performance across diverse fire service environments, including Career, Paid On-Call, and Volunteer Departments. Committed to driving excellence in emergency response and community safety through innovative strategies and effective team leadership.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Training Division Chief
Northwest Fire Protection District
03.2019 - Current
- Directed emergency response operations, ensuring rapid and effective incident management.
- Developed training programs for firefighters, enhancing team skills and readiness.
- Led strategic planning initiatives, aligning departmental goals with community needs and resources.
- Strengthened interdepartmental communication through regular meetings, improving collaboration on projects involving multiple divisions.
- Promoted public trust in the department by maintaining transparency in operations, addressing concerns from community members, and ensuring accountability among staff members at all levels.
- Organized department-wide training sessions on mental health and wellness, resulting in improved morale and reduced burnout rates among firefighters.
Captain
City of Loves Park Fire Department
07.2015 - 02.2019
- Led emergency response operations, ensuring efficient rescue and fire suppression efforts.
- Developed training programs for new firefighters, enhancing team competency and safety standards.
- Managed station resources and personnel schedules, optimizing operational readiness and efficiency.
- Analyzed post-incident reports to identify areas for improvement in procedures and training protocols.
- Mentored junior firefighters, fostering professional development and promoting a culture of safety excellence.
Director of Transportation
Cary School District 26
07.2021 - Current
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Head Mechanic
Kaneland CUSD 302
09.2016 - 06.2021
- Oversee shop operations, budgets, and other assignments from the Director or Associate Superintendent.
- Performed routine and scheduled maintenance services.
- Troubleshot and diagnosed faults with vehicle systems and components using OEM-specific code readers, diagnostic trees, and online knowledge bases.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Education
M.S., Business Administration / Public Administrat -
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL09-2026
M.S. in Fire Executive Leadership/Organizational Leadership -
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL08-2025
Bachelor of Science - Fire Administration/Fire Investigation
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL06.2024
Associate of Applied Science - Fire Science
Waubonsee Community College
Sugar Grove, IL05.2023
Skills
- Incident Command
- Emergency Management
- Operational leadership
- Workload prioritization
- Emergency Response Procedures
- Training programs
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Budget Planning
- Mentoring abilities
- Fire prevention
- Firefighting operations
Accomplishments
- National Fire Academy – Executive Chief Officer
- Strategies and Applications in Community Risk Reduction
- Fire Stewardship
- Fire Officer Administration
- FEMA / NFA Higher Education Fire Program (Multiple Courses)
Certification
Fire Officer I & II · Fire Inspector I · Instructor I & II
Incident Safety Officer · Fire Apparatus Engineer
Firefighter I & II · Company Officer · Hazmat Operations
Technical Rescue Awareness · Rope Operations – Driver/Pump Ops
ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800
EMT-Basic (IL & WI) · Wisconsin EMT Instructor I
Timeline
Director of Transportation
Cary School District 26
07.2021 - Current
Training Division Chief
Northwest Fire Protection District
03.2019 - Current
Head Mechanic
Kaneland CUSD 302
09.2016 - 06.2021
Captain
City of Loves Park Fire Department
07.2015 - 02.2019
M.S., Business Administration / Public Administrat -
Columbia Southern University
M.S. in Fire Executive Leadership/Organizational Leadership -
Columbia Southern University
Bachelor of Science - Fire Administration/Fire Investigation
Columbia Southern University
Associate of Applied Science - Fire Science
Waubonsee Community College