Paul G. Kinsella Officially Appointed Fire Chief of Frankfort Fire Protection District

Article Summary: The Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees has announced the permanent appointment of Paul G. Kinsella as Fire Chief, following his service as Interim Chief since March 2025.

Frankfort Fire Chief Appointment Key Points:

• Paul G. Kinsella was permanently appointed Fire Chief effective January 1, 2026.

• Kinsella has been with the district since 2003, rising through the ranks from part-time member to Deputy Chief.

• He previously served as Interim Fire Chief and President of Frankfort IAFF Local 4338.

• A badge pinning ceremony is scheduled for February 3 at Station 73.

The Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees on Thursday, January 15, 2026, announced the official appointment of Paul G. Kinsella as Fire Chief. Kinsella, a long-time member of the department, assumed the permanent role on January 1, 2026.

Kinsella’s career with the Frankfort Fire Protection District (FFPD) spans over two decades. He joined as a part-time member in 2003 and transitioned to a full-time position in 2005. He steadily advanced through the department’s ranks, serving as Lieutenant in 2009, Training Coordinator in 2015, Assistant Chief in 2017, and Deputy Chief in 2021. Prior to this permanent appointment, Kinsella served as Interim Fire Chief beginning in March 2025.

In addition to his administrative roles, Kinsella served as President of Frankfort IAFF Local 4338 from 2006 to 2014. During his tenure as union president, he negotiated contracts and represented members.

Kinsella’s fire service background dates back to 1995 when he started as a cadet with the Manhattan Fire Protection District. He later served Manhattan as a firefighter and paramedic in a volunteer and part-time capacity until 2005. Outside of municipal fire service, he gained leadership experience as the Track Services Coordinator at Chicagoland Speedway, where he directed safety teams for NASCAR events and managed emergency responses.

Kinsella holds a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration Management from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Technology from Joliet Junior College. Raised in Wilton Township south of Manhattan, he is a graduate of Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox. He and his wife, Jackie, have two teenage daughters.

The Frankfort Fire District will host a badge pinning ceremony and awards presentation to welcome Chief Kinsella on February 3 at 6:00 p.m. The event will take place at Frankfort Fire Station 73, located at 24420 S. LaGrange Road.