New battalion chief in Mundelein Fire Department

The Mundelein Fire Department’s newest battalion chief was sworn in during Monday night’s village board meeting.

James Ketcham recited his oath of office before the board and audience. He then received his new badge from his wife, Marialissa, as their daughters and other relatives looked on.

Ketcham comes from the Bloomingdale Fire Protection District, where he had worked since 2010. He’d served as an acting battalion chief there since 2025.

He succeeds Battalion Chief Gil Rubio, who retired earlier this year.

A video of Monday’s board meeting, including the ceremony, is available at mundelein.org.